04-17-91
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASES
Prepared By:
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee
Pueblo of Acoma
March 1990
ADOPTED: April 17, 1991
IN CASE OF A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY, CALL
THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY 505-552-6601
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
Background and Need
The Pueblo of acoma is increasingly vulnerable to risks associated
with accidents involving a wide variety of toxic, corrosive,
explosive, flammable, radioactive, and other hazardous materials
(HAZMAT) being transported through Tribal lands on major railroad and
interstate highway corridors on a daily basis. In addition, two (2)
interstate natural gas pipelines cross the reservation. In the nearby
communities of Grants and Milan, New Mexico, a few miles west of the
reservation boundary, three facilities(Chemical Marketing Services
plant, Grants municipal swimming pool, and Grants municipal sewage
treatment plant) store and use significant quantities of sulfuric acid
and chlorine which, if accidently released in large quantities, could
pose risks to the Pueblo of Acoma. Small quantities of various HAZMAT
are also used on Tribal lands at the A-C-L Hospital and other
facilities and in individual residences.
While the volume of HAZMAT being transported through Acoma lands is
growing steadily, tribal emergency response resources necessary to
cope with accidents are quite limited and may be quickly overwhelmed
in a major incident. Since there is no fire department at the Pueblo
of Acoma, fire-fighting and other HAZMAT emergency response resources
must be summoned from Cibola County, Pueblo of Legionnaire and/or
other state and federal agencies in the region. At present, the
Pueblo of Acoma has a small cadre of trained emergency personnel in
its police, community health, and other agencies. Also, several
emergency medical and safety personnel of the Indian Health Service at
A-C-L Hospital are trained in several aspects of emergency response.
However, Tribal personnel need additional and continued training and
re-training in HAZMAT emergency response equipment and facilities.
Development of a HAZMAT Emergency Response Plan
In recognizing the risks and current Tribal emergency resource
limitations, the Pueblo of Acoma requested technical assistance by the
Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT) in assessing ways to reduce
the likelihood and consequences of HAZMAT accidents. A Tribal
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee, composed of staff members of the
Pueblo's police, community health, land office, public works, Tribal
Council, community members and planning departments as well as
representatives of the A-C-L Hospital and Indian Health Service, was
organized in April 1989 to guide the effort.
Tribal and CERT staff members conducted surveys of HAZMAT risks and
Tribal emergency response resource needs as a prerequisite to
preparing an emergency response plan. Committee members and other
Tribal staff participated in several emergency response training
workshops sponsored by federal and intertribal organizations. The
Committee has held meetings at approximately monthly intervals to
develop the HAZMAT emergency response plan and to evaluate other
measures that may be taken to promote HAZMAT safety. This document,
Emergency Response Plan for Hazardous Materials Releases, is the
culimination of the committee's initial planning efforts.
This plan was based on the risks and hazards known to exist and the
resources available for coping with such risks at the time of its
preparation. Since circumstances are likely to change over time, this
plan will require at least annual review and possible updating as
necessary.
Contents of the Plan
The Plan describes the actions to be taken by Tribal safety personnel
in coping with HAZMAT accidents. The roles and responsibilities of
Tribal Police, community health, emergency medical, and other safety
agencies are described along with procedures for "first responders"
and for decontamination and recovery operations. The plan also
establishes minimum requirements for (1) training of emergency
personnel; (2) testing and exercise to evaluate the adequacy of
emergency preparedness; and (3) periodic reviews and refinements to
the plan.
The document recognizes the need for continuing cooperation among
neighboring governments in HAZMAT emergency preparedness and response.
Accordingly, one of the near-term actions assumed within the plan is
the negotiation of "mutual assistance" as agreements with the Pueblo
of Laguna, Cibola County, City of Grants, and possibly other
governmental entities in the region. These agreements should include
provisions for cross-deputization of law enforcement and other
officials, immediate response by firefighting agencies and/or
specialized HAZMAT response teams as necessary, and for cooperative
planning and development of HAZMAT emergency response personnel,
equipment, and facilities on an intergovernmental, regional basis.
In keeping with requirements of the federal "Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act" (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act, Title III), provisions are made in the plan for periodic
training, designation of evacuation shelters and routes, monitoring of
facilities located on Tribal lands that are subject to SARA Title III
emergency planning and reporting requirements, and for updating
emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
PREFACE
The Pueblo of Acoma seeks to provide protection to its residents,
visitors, property, and natural environment from adverse consequences
of accidents involving hazardous materials, to the extent possible.
Such protection requires that Tribal law enforcement, emergency
medical, safety, public works, and other agencies develop and maintain
the necessary skilled personnel, equipment, and other resources in a
state of readiness to respond rapidly and effectively to hazardous
materials accidents.
Preparedness also entails the preparation, testing, implementation,
and periodic upgrading of formal policies, plans, and procedures that
will be utilized to guide and coordinate the emergency response
activities of various organizations and personnel in accident
situations. Accordingly, this Emergency Response Plan for Hazardous
Materials Releases has been prepared to assist the Pueblo in
developing and maintaining an emergency response capability related to
accidents involving hazardous materials. The plan describes the
roles, responsibilities, resources, and procedures for mobilizing
Tribal and other governmental resources for effective response.
This plan is designed to supplement existing Tribal contingency plans
for natural disasters and nuclear military attack. In addition, this
plan provides for marshalling expert assistance and resources as
necessary from neighboring governmental agencies such as Cibola
County, Pueblo of Laguna, State of New Mexico, and various federal
agencies. Mutual intergovernmental agreements may be required in some
cases to effectuate such assistance.
A critical element in the implementation and future refinements of
this plan is the training of a number of Tribal agency personnel in
hazardous materials emergency response. This plan recognizes the
importance of initial training and regular, periodic re-training of
safety personnel in emergency procedures as well as annual exercises
to assess the adequacy of personnel. training and response planning
and procedures.
Acknowledgments
This Plan was prepared by the Hazardous Materials Safety Committee of
the Pueblo of Acoma with assistance by the Council of Energy Resource
Tribes (CERT). Technical assistance by CERT was funded in part by a
grant from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
Members and consultants of the Committee who contributed to the
development of this Plan are as follows:
Stanley Paytiamo, (Chairman of the Committee)
Tribal Planner, Pueblo of Acoma
William Emanuel, (Vice-Chairman) Project Director
CAER Program, Pueblo of Acoma
Norman Torivio, Acting Chief of Police, Acoma Police Department
Pueblo of Acoma
Tim Chavez, Environmental Health Technician
Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital
Ted D. Martinez, Tribal Secretary, Pueblo of Acoma
Gilbert Ortiz, Coordinator, Land Office, Pueblo of Acoma
Wendy Seymour, Director, Community Health Representative
(CHR) Pueblo of Acoma
Robert Valdez, Safety Officer, Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital
Edwin Leon, Albuquerque Fire Department
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dennis Vallo, Coordinator, Public Works Division
Pueblo of Acoma
Manuel Stevens, Councilman, Pueblo of Acoma
Santiago Pasquale, Councilman, Pueblo of Acoma
Chris S. Martinez, Secretary, CAER Program
Pueblo of Acoma
(Advisor) Wyatt Rodgers, Jr., Council of Energy Resource
Tribes
(Advisor) Al Siow, Chief, Laguna Fire and Rescue Department
Pueblo of Laguna
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE.............................................. 1
A. PURPOSE................................................ 1
B. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS.................................. 1
C. POLICY................................................. 2
D. PLANNING PROCESS....................................... 2
E. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS............................ 4
II. AUTHORITY....................................................... 5
A. TRIBAL POWERS AND DIRECTIVES........................... 5
B. FEDERAL STATUTORY AUTHORITY............................ 5
C. DISCLAIMER............................................. 6
III. DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS....................................... 7
IV. PLANNING REQUIREMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS........................... 11
A. THE NEEDS FOR HAZMAT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS............ 11
B. CRITICAL POPULATIONS AND FACILITIES................... 12
C. HAZARDS................................................ 15
D. ASSUMPTIONS............................................ 16
V. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CONCEPT.................................... 18
A. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES................................... 18
B. EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS................. 19
VI. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES...................................... 22
A. OVERVIEW............................................... 22
B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRIBAL AGENCIES................... 22
VII. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES.................................. 30
A. PROCEDURES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS........................ 30
B. PROCEDURES FOR HAZMAT INCIDENT COMMAND POST............ 33
C. POST-ACCIDENT ASSESSMENT............................... 37
VIII.CONTINUING PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES.............................. 39
A. EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING.......................... 39
B. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES, AND SUPPLIES.......... 40
C. ON-GOING CONTINGENCY PLANNING.......................... 42
Figure
I-1. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING PROCESS............................ 3
Tables
VII-1. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION TELEPHONE NUMBERS.................... 32
VII-2. EMERGENCY RESPONSE LEVEL..................................... 35
Appendices
A HAZARDS ANALYSIS
B GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF ON-SCENE RESPONSE
ACTIVITIES AT A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENT SITE
C INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM GUIDELINES
D MISCELLANEOUS BACKGROUND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PUEBLO
OF ACOMA HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY COMMITTEE 1989-1990
E PARTICIPATION BY THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA IN THE CIBOLA COUNTY,
NEW MEXICO CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND RELOCATION PLAN
F EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT FOR HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS INCIDENTS
G HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT REPORT FORM
H TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND COURSES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
PERSONNEL
I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A. PURPOSE
This emergency Response Plan for Hazardous Materials Releases
describes the responsibilities of cognizant Tribal and other
governmental agencies during emergencies involving hazardous materials
which may adversely affect life, property, or natural resources within
the Pueblo of Acoma Reservation and other Tribal lands.
Additionally, this Plan sets forth policies, procedures, and
guidelines for providing emergency services by Tribal and other
applicable agencies in the event of hazardous materials releases.
These directives are designed to provide: (1) immediate notification
of emergency personnel; (2) timely and competent response to
emergencies; (3) protection of life, property, essential public
facilities, and the natural environment that may be directly or
indirectly affected by a hazardous materials accident; and (4)
coordination of emergency services during an accident and during
subsequent decontamination and recovery activities.
The ultimate objective of this Plan is to minimize any adverse
consequence of accidents involving hazardous materials that may be
used, stored, disposed of, or transported on Acoma Tribal
jurisdiction. This objective can be realized only if an adequate
state of preparedness is developed and maintained by all Tribal and
other cognizant agencies that have responsibilities for executing this
Plan. Accordingly, this Plan establishes requirements and standards
for continuing planning, training, and maintenance of skills and other
resources in order to achieve a reasonable degree of emergency
preparedness.
B. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This Plan is designed to provide guidance and directives for Tribal
and other agencies in responding to reasonably foreseeable accident
scenarios involving hazardous materials on Acoma Tribal lands (See
Appendix A). However, it is emphasized that very limited resources
are currently available to the Pueblo of Acoma and that assistance
from other federal, state, tribal and county governments will likely
become necessary in the event of major hazardous materials releases on
Tribal lands. Also, certain accidental releases that may occur
outside but near the Acoma Reservation can adversely affect Tribal
population groups and property and, therefore, require appropriate
responses by Tribal emergency personnel. In view of these
limitations, efforts to develop appropriate intergovernmental mutual
aid agreements are being pursued and, upon their adoption, will be
incorporated in future amendments to this Plan. Applicable
intergovernmental agreements that are in full force and effect are
incorporated herein by reference.
Policies and procedures contained herein are limited to those
associated with emergency response services for coping only with
hazardous materials releases. As noted in section I.D. below,
emergency services for addressing natural disasters on Acoma lands are
described in a separate plan entitled, Pueblo of Acoma Natural
Disaster Assistance Manual, revised March 2, 1991.
C. POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Pueblo of Acoma to provide for the
protection of its members, other residents and visitors, property,
and natural resources from adverse consequences of accidental releases
involving hazardous materials, to the extent possible via available
resources and permissible by Tribal and/or federal law.
As a sovereign government, the Pueblo of Acoma shall exercise its
rights and responsibilities under this Plan in a manner consistent
with other Tribal and federal statutes and policies, including the
federal "Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986"
(also referred to as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 SARA).
Recognizing the need for periodic evaluation of the adequacy of
emergency preparedness by cognizant Tribal agencies and other
governmental entities, it shall be the policy of the Pueblo of Acoma
to conduct at least annual exercises of this Plan under the direction
of the Acoma Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety Committee with
participation by all applicable agencies.
As means of increasing effectiveness of emergency resources available
within the Tribal government and nearby governmental jurisdictions,
the Pueblo will seek to develop regional and intergovernmental
agreements and plans to augment this Plan wherever appropriate.
D. PLANNING PROCESS
This Plan was developed by the Acoma Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee utilizing the methodology depicted in Figure I-1. Planning
activities included: (1) a hazards assessment; (2) evaluation of
current response capabilities and preparedness requirements; and (3)
coordination with existing plans where applicable. Planning was also
facilitated by participation of Tribal committee members in several
emergency response planning and training workshops sponsored by the
Pueblo and other organizations. Technical assistance was also
provided by the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT).
FIGURE I-1. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING PROCESS - SEE HARD COPY
E. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The development of this Plan has been coordinated with other
applicable plans of the Pueblo of Acoma and other governments to the
extent possible. This Plan is issued as a free-standing document for
describing procedures for responding to hazardous materials incidents.
However, this Plan may also be regarded as a supplement to the Pueblo
of Acoma: Natural Disaster Assistance Manual, revised March 2, 1981,
which provides directives for organization and implementation of a
Tribal Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In the event of significant
releases of hazardous materials requiring responses by several Tribal
and/or outside agencies, it is expected that the plans and procedures
for the EOC would be activated under this (hazardous materials) Plan.
This Plan also recognizes the importance of the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna
(A-C-L) Hospital in providing emergency medical services that could be
required in a hazardous materials incident. It is noted that the
A-C-L Hospital has adopted an internal emergency preparedness plan for
directing its personnel in responding to incoming mass casualties that
could result from a variety of natural technological disasters. The
A-C-L plan is intended as an internal document for directing "triage"
for incoming patients.
Emergency response plans of the State of New Mexico, Cibola County,
and the Pueblo of Laguna can assist the Pueblo of Acoma in its own
preparedness. The Cibola County Emergency Response Plan for Hazardous
Releases, October, 1988, has been reviewed by the Acoma Tribal
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee and duly noted in development of
this (Acoma) Plan. Although the Pueblo of Acoma was not consulted
during the preparation of the Cibola County plan, it is the intent of
the Pueblo to encourage intergovernmental cooperation in future
emergency preparedness planning.
II. AUTHORITY
A. TRIBAL POWERS AND DIRECTIVES
This plan is promulgated pursuant to the authority of the Pueblo of
Acoma to govern its own affairs by virtue of its recognition by the
United states Government as a sovereign government. Tribal authority
extends to the exercise of law enforcement, public health and safety,
and environment protection responsibilities as provided for in Tribal
Ordinances and other applicable laws and regulations.
Development of this Plan was facilitated by Resolution No.
TC-OCT-04-88-1, dated October 4, 1988, as adopted by the Acoma Tribal
Council, which requested assistance by the Council of Energy Resource
Tribes (CERT) to the Pueblo in planning and development of a Tribal
program to enhance public safety and emergency response associated
with hazardous materials. Formal adoption of this Plan by the Acoma
Tribal Council occurred on April 17, 1991, pursuant to Resolution No.
TC-APR-17-91-1.
B. FEDERAL STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Pursuant to the authority of the federal "Emergency Response and
Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986," also known as Title III of
the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), the
Pueblo of Acoma established a Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee which, among its responsibilities, has developed this
Plan. To the extent possible, this Plan incorporates the requirements
of Section 303, "Comprehensive Emergency Response
Plans," of the Title III of SARA.
In developing this Plan and in exercising other Tribal roles as
authorized under Title III SARA, the Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee will serve as the official "emergency response commission"
as defined under that Act. This Committee or the Governor of the
Pueblo of Acoma may appoint any "local emergency planning committee"
(LEPC) and designate "local planning districts," as defined in the
Act, as deemed necessary.
C. DISCLAIMER
The Pueblo of Acoma, and any of its official governmental agencies,
will exercise its sovereign immunity from liability for death, injury,
or loss of property while executing the provisions of this Plan,
except in cases of willful misconduct, bad faith, or gross negligence.
Immunity from liability may also apply to any intergovernmental
agreements for rendering emergency assistance and/or mutual aid.
III. DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
ACT - refers to the "Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know
act of 1986", also referred to as Title III, Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986" (Title III SARA).
CAER - refers to the Community Awareness and Emergency Response
Program which began operation in January, 1991.
CERCLA - "Comprehensive Environmental Response, compensation, and
Liability Act", which, among many other provisions, authorized
creation of the so-called "Superfund". CERCLA was amended
substantially in the SARA of 1986.
COMMITTEE - Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety Committee, an
interagency group responsible for this Plan.
DOT - U. S. Department of Transportation, which administers the
Hazardous Materials Transportation act (HMTA), among other federal
transport-related programs.
DRUG LAB INCIDENT - means an incident involving a location at which
drugs are illegally manufactured.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) - means site from where tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies coordinate off-scene support to
on-scene responders.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCY - means fire, law enforcement, medical, or
environmental agency that is trained, equipped, and that has a
legal responsibility to respond to an emergency.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM - (also see "Hazardous Materials Team") refers
to a group of individuals specifically trained to work as a unit
in accident response.
EMERGENCY SERVICES - means those agencies and activities provided by
county, state, tribal, and local government to prepare for and
carry out any activity to prevent, minimize, respond to or recover
from any emergency.
EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE (EHS) - means those chemicals
(approximately 366 different EHS as of 1989) listed in the Federal
Register (40 CFR 355), defined as "extremely hazardous substances"
by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and as mandated by
Section 302 of the Act (SARA Title III).
FACILITY - means all buildings, equipment, structures, and other
stationary items which are located on a single site or on
contiguous or adjacent sites and which are owned or operated by
the same person.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL (HAZMAT) - means any element, compound, mixture,
solution or substance which, when spilled or released into the air
or into or on any land or waters, may present a substantial danger
to the public health, safety, welfare or the environment. This
team is broadly construed to include "extremely hazardous
substances" (EHS), "hazardous chemicals", hazardous wastes",
"radioactive materials" (RAM), "toxic substances", and other
materials regarded as "hazardous" because of one or more
potentially harmful properties such as toxicity, flammability
carcinogenicity, combustibility, radioactivity, or other
pathogenetic characteristics.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAM (HAZMAT Team) - means an "emergency response
team" that has been specially trained and equipped to cope with
hazardous materials incidents, including the proper handling and
disposal of such materials.
INCIDENT - means any event that results in a spill or release of
hazardous materials. Action by emergency service personnel will
be required to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to
property and/or natural resources.
INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC) - means the one individual in charge at any
given time of an incident.
INCIDENT COMMAND POST - means the location where field commands are
given. The incident commander directs the on-scene response from
this location.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) - means the combination of facilities,
equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating
with a common command structure.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) - refers to organizations
at the sub-state or sub-tribal levels that are responsible for
preparation of local or regional emergency response plans for
hazardous materials releases, as mandated in Section 301 of the
Act (SARA) Title III). For purposes of implementing the Pueblo's
participation in the federal SARA Title III program, the Tribal
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee will, until further notice,
serve as the LEPC in further development and implementation of
HAZMAT-related emergency response plans.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) - are documents that describe the
presence, quantities, and properties of certain hazardous chemical
as well as the ownership, custody, and/or location of such
chemicals that are subject to regulation under the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the SARA Title III legislation.
NRC - National Response Center. Also is abbreviation for the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO) - means a person designated by the
incident commander who provides information to the public and
media.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY - means the person or firm who by law is strictly
liable for clean-up of any spill or release.
SARA - Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
SCBA - Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
SERC - State Emergency Response Commission, as defined in Section 301
of SARA Title III. In this Plan, SERC refers to the State of New
Mexico Hazardous Materials Bureau which serves in this capacity.
(ALso see TERC below).
STATE - as used in this plan, the State of New Mexico.
TERC Tribal Emergency Response Commission. For purposes of
implementing SARA Title III, the Pueblo of Acoma's Tribal
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee shall, until further notice,
serve as the TERC (equivalent to a SERC under the Act.)
THRESHOLD PLANNING QUANTITY (TPQ) - means that minimum quantity of an
"extremely hazardous substance" (EHS), as established by rule of
the EPA pursuant to Section 302 of the SARA Title III, in the
possession of an operator or owner of a facility for which a
specific emergency response plan shall be developed.
TRIBE - as used in this plan, the Pueblo of Acoma.
UNIFIED COMMAND - means the method by which tribal, local, state,
and federal agencies will work with the Incident Commander to: (1)
determine their roles and responsibilities for a given incident;
(2) determine their overall objectives for management of an
incident; (3) select a strategy to achieve agreed upon objectives;
(4) deploy resources to achieve agreed upon objectives.
IV. PLANNING REQUIREMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS
A. THE NEEDS FOR HAZMAT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency preparedness at the Pueblo of Acoma related to hazardous
materials (HAZMAT) is made necessary by the following environmental,
demographic, economic, and political factors.
1. The strategic geographic location and terrain features of the
Pueblo of Acoma have led to development of major interstate
and regional transportation corridors on Tribal lands:
a. Interstate Highway No. 40, a high-volume corridor with
traffic volume of over 13,000 vehicles per day;
b. Santa Fe Railroad mainline corridor, a two-track system
with heavy freight and HAZMAT daily volume;
c. Two separate natural gas pipeline corridors;
d. State Highway No. 53 and 117, and County Routes No. 8
and 124; and
e. East-West alignment with the principal runways of the
Albuquerque, New Mexico airport, resulting in frequent
low-flying commercial and military aircraft over Tribal
lands.
2. These transportation systems are geographically concentrated
along the northern portions of the Acoma Indian Reservation
where:
a. virtually the entire population of the Pueblo resides;
and
b. the Pueblo's principal water supply, the Rio San Jose,
is located.
3. Large quantities of a wide variety of hazardous materials
(HAZMAT) are shipped daily via the major highway and railroad
corridors on Acoma Tribal lands, presenting significant risks
to life, property, and the natural environment.
These areas are subject to numerous accidents, as discussed
more fully in the Appendix to this Plan (see "Hazards
Analysis").
4. Prior to promulgation of this Plan, the Pueblo of Acoma had
not established an emergency response protocol for HAZMAT
releases; although an overall Tribal emergency plan for
natural disasters is in effect which in part may apply to
HAZMAT and other "technological disaster". This Plan is
intended to fill this void and, more specifically, to
establish protocols for mobilizing Tribal and, as necessary,
other resources in HAZMAT emergency situations.
5. Resources for effective preparedness for HAZMAT emergency are
quite limited within the Pueblo of Acoma, requiring optimum
use of existing Tribal staff and equipment as well as
assistance by nearby tribal, county, state, and/ or federal
governmental agencies under certain circumstances. Such
assistance necessitates regional planning and
intergovernmental cooperation which may be governed by mutual
aid agreements. As of this date, the Pueblo of Acoma is
largely dependent on the Pueblo of Laguna for fire fighting
services.
6. Implementation of the "Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act" (SARA Title III), "Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act," as amended, and other federal statutes
can assist the Pueblo of Acoma in developing and maintaining
the resources necessary for emergency preparedness and HAZMAT
safety promotion; however, these statutes also impose
requirements on the Pueblo to undertake formal planning and
training of Tribal personnel as well as possible regulatory
activities.
B. CRITICAL POPULATIONS AND FACILITIES
This Plan recognizes the need to focus emergency preparedness
resources on the following population centers and facilities.
1. Tribal Communities
As of February 14, 1989, the residential population of Acoma
communities was as follows.
a. Acomita 2,342
b. Anzac 200 (est.)
c. McCartys 1,646
d. Old Acoma (Sky City) 150 (est.)
Total 4,338
It should be noted that some residents maintain periodic occupancy
of the Sky City pueblo complex ("Old Acoma") in order to maintain
this facility, but may be officially recorded as residents of
other locations or mailing addresses.
The geographic location of Tribal population centers with respect
to major transportation corridors and the Rio San Jose requires
special attention to potential evacuation routes and temporary
alternative sheltering.
2. Critical Governmental and Commercial Facilities
The following facilities are critical to the continued economic
and social welfare of the Pueblo.
Tribal Government Complex
Acoma Tribal headquarters and major Tribal governmental
agencies are located in Acomita, New Mexico. An educational
complex as well as several "Headstart" facilities are also
located in Acomita and McCartys.
A-C-L Hospital
The Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Regional Hospital (A-C-L) is located
between Acomita and the Los Cerritos area, approximately 0.5 miles
south of the I-40 highway corridor. This facility provides medical
care, including emergency treatment, to residents of the Pueblo of
Acoma and the neighboring Pueblos of Laguna and Canoncito Navajo
reservations. The A-C-L Hospital is operated by the U. S. Indian
Health Service (IHS).
Acoma Sky City
Located 13 miles south of Acomita, Sky City is a major cultural center
and tourist attraction. It includes the well-preserved, 600-year old
pueblo complex, a visitors center, gift shop, restaurant, and museum.
Los Cerritos
This commercial complex, a Tribal enterprise, is located on a site of
over 200 acres on Tribally-owned land adjacent to the I-40 highway
interchange that that serves Acomita. The Los Cerritos development
includes an automotive service station, restaurant, gift shop, grocery
store, and laundry. An automotive rest stop is located immediately
south of this complex at the I-40/Acomita interchange.
The Pueblo is developing plans for further commercial developments on
the Los Cerritos property.
Kowina Facility
Located along State Highway 117 approximately 15 miles south of I-40
on Tribal fee land, the Kowina facility, presently not in operation,
consists of a commercial-type building and a series of ancient village
ruins believed to be inhabited by ancestors of the Acoma and other
pueblos. The Pueblo of Acoma is considering development of the Kowina
complex as a cultural and visitors center to coincide with development
of the adjacent El Mal Pais National Monument.
C. HAZARDS
The Pueblo is vulnerable to several types of incidents associated with
releases of HAZMAT. The most likely sources of potential HAZMAT
releases are the major interstate highway, railroad, and natural gas
pipeline corridors located along the northern area of the Pueblo where
the principal Tribal population centers, water supply, and critical
facilities are also situated. As shown in the Appendix (Hazards
Analysis), these transportation corridors carry substantial volumes of
HAZMAT and have been the locales for numerous accidents.
Potential sources of risk also exist nearby but outside Acoma
jurisdictional boundaries. Three (3) facilities, located within a few
miles of the Pueblo boundary, are subject to the hazardous materials
planning and reporting requirements of the SARA Title III. These
facilities are:
o Chemical Marketing Services, which maintains a large
inventory of sulfuric acid (H(2)S 0(4));
o Grants, New Mexico Municipal Swimming Pool, which stores
approximately 500 lbs. of chlorine;
o Grants Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant, which maintains 2
to 3 tons of chlorine in inventory.
It is noted that these facilities are within the primary jurisdiction
of Cibola County and are therefore not covered under this Plan.
However, in the event of a large HAZMAT release from these facilities
which might pose threats to Acoma population groups, it is expected
that the Pueblo will be notified in a timely manner to facilitate any
protective measures that may be required.
Small quantities of various HAZMAT are also routinely used and/or
stored on Acoma Tribal lands at the A-C-L Hospital and other
facilities as well as individual residences. As of the date of this
Plan, no facilities on the Acoma Indian Reservation possessed HAZMAT
in "threshold planning quantities" (TPQ) as defined in the Act (SARA
Title III). Therefore, this Plan does not contain any
"facility-specific" emergency response plans.
D. ASSUMPTIONS
Emergency preparedness for HAZMAT incidents is founded on certain key
assumptions as of the date of this Plan. It is recognized that this
Plan may require revisions as circumstances may change over time.
Assumptions in effect are as follow.
1. Accidents along the major transportation corridors are likely
to continue to be the principal sources of HAZMAT releases to
the Pueblo for the foreseeable future. Potential releases
from the three off-site facilities mentioned in C above also
pose hazards to the Pueblo.
2. Although the Pueblo has ceded rights-of-way for highway and
railroad corridors through its lands, the Pueblo retains
concurrent jurisdiction for law enforcement, public health and
safety, and other emergency services related to accidents
involving these facilities.
3. Due to the present lack of its own fire department and
significant fire suppression capabilities, the Pueblo must
rely upon assistance by the Pueblo of Laguna, Cibola County,
and/or other neighboring governments in responding to major
HAZMAT incidents. Also, the planned development of a HAZMAT
response team by Cibola County and possible further expansion
of fire fighting capabilities at the Pueblo of Laguna will be
important considerations in the future need for such
capabilities at the Pueblo of Acoma.
4. Population groups most vulnerable to HAZMAT releases include
the entire Acoma population of approximately 4,000 (as of
1989), virtually all of which reside in the communities of
Acomita, Anzac, and McCartys. In a very large release of
certain hazardous materials (e.g., chlorine gas) near these
communities, evacuations or in-place sheltering may be
required for up to 2,000 persons for limited periods,
depending upon meteorological and other conditions.
5. Limited capacity for treatment of HAZMAT accident victims will
be available at the A-C-L Hospital and the Cibola County
General Hospital. Victims requiring medical treatment and
specialized decontamination procedures for radiological
exposures may require direct transfer to appropriate medical
facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Lovelace Medical Center
or University of New Mexico Hospital).
6. Disposal of contaminated materials resulting from accidental
releases will be conducted by the owners/operators or
shipper/carriers, as applicable, and will be conducted only at
sites approved in advance by the Pueblo or other cognizant
governmental agencies.
V. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CONCEPT
A. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
The overriding goal of the Acoma HAZMAT emergency response system is
to minimize and adverse consequences of releases of HAZMAT, including
protection of human life from death of injury, protection of public
and private property, and protection of the natural environment.
In the event of a release or spill of HAZMAT, protective actions need
to be taken appropriately and quickly to minimize risks to people,
property, and the environment. Effective response requires that:
o adequate emergency resources (i.e., skilled personnel and
equipment) are available; and that these resources can be
mobilized, deployed, and utilized in a timely and coordinated
manner.
Both conditions must exist in a satisfactory emergency preparedness
and operations system. This Plan is based on the philosophy that
tribal government bears primary responsibility for protecting its
members, other residents and visitors, facilities, and natural
environment in the event of accidental releases of HAZMAT. It is also
recognized that the Federal Government bears certain "trust"
responsibilities in these matters, and accordingly, will assist the
Pueblo in exercising required duties.
It is also acknowledged that major HAZMAT releases may overwhelm
Tribal emergency resources and may cross tribal jurisdictional
boundaries. Therefore, it is necessary to consider appropriate
intergovernmental cooperative arrangements for marshalling outside
assistance whenever necessary.
The emergency response system is subject to the changing needs of the
Pueblo. This Plan should be re-evaluated on a regular basis and
revisions made as necessary to reflect current circumstances.
Planning should take into account all elements of emergency
preparedness, including training, equipment acquisition and
maintenance, exercises, and intergovernmental coordination.
The major elements of the emergency response system for HAZMAT
releases include the following:
1. Designation of "lead agency" planning responsibilities.
2. Assignment of responsibilities among appropriate tribal and
other agencies which are integral components of the plan and
the emergency response system.
3. Integration of Tribal HAZMAT emergency response plans for
fixed facilities and transportation incidents with general
tribal natural disaster and nuclear attack emergency plans
that may be in effect or to be developed under Tribal
emergency services agencies.
4. Specification of appropriate procedures for notification,
communications, dispatching of HAZMAT and/or other emergency
response teams, assessment of incidents, protective actions,
re-entry and recovery operations, training and exercises, and
public information.
5. Protocols for mobilizing and coordinating of intratribals
and/or outside agencies in emergency situations.
B. EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The emergency response system of the Pueblo of Acoma consists of
Tribal governmental officials, staff personnel of the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) and Indian Health Service (IHS), and other cognizant
governmental officials as well as equipment and facilities that may be
required in responding to incidents involving the actual or suspected
release of hazardous materials HAZMAT. These resources may be
required to cope with a wide variety of HAZMAT incidents, and
therefore, must be established and maintained in a state of readiness
for immediate deployment and effective response in a coordinated
manner.
Operation of the emergency response system may involve a number of
functions, depending upon the specific requirements of individual
HAZMAT incidents. The system relies primarily upon the effective
immediate actions of "first responders", followed by competent and
through clean-up, decontamination, and recovery operations as
necessary, undertaken by a variety of cognizant agencies. These
general requirements are as follows.
1. Initial Emergency Response
The first public safety official to arrive at the scene of an
incident should be equipped to:
a. assess the situation;
b. activate the Tribal HAZMAT emergency response system;
c. take initial actions to protect the public.
2. Local Incident Command
The designated Tribal incident command agency is the first
Tribal emergency response agency to arrive at the scene. Upon
arrival, the agency will assume command and:
a. designate an incident commander;
b. establish, as necessary, an appropriate incident command
post (fixed or mobile);
c. direct and coordinate all emergency response operations,
including coordination with the Tribal Emergency
Operations Center (EOC);
d. designate a Public Information Officer (PIO) for release
of official information concerning the nature and extent
of the incident and public risks related to it;
e. supervise all notifications;
f. provide regular status reports to tribal and other
authorities;
g. provide recommendations to tribal authorities concerning
the need for evacuation of residents, in-place
sheltering, and/or other protective actions.
3. Off-Site Emergency Protective Actions
Some incidents may involve release of hazardous materials in
gaseous, liquid, or fine particulate forms which may migrate
quickly and pose threats to nearby population groups or critical
facilities. In incidents where HAZMAT may be transported via wind
or water movements and thereby pose risks to off-site personnel
and property, the local incident command agency will require
assistance by other Tribal possibly federal, state, and county
agencies in order to mobilize a variety of resources needed in
various protection and control activities. In these events, the
Tribal EOC will be activated to provide the necessary coordination
of local on-scene response activities with any off-site
evacuation, in-place sheltering and other protective measures.
4. Decontamination, Cleanup, and Recovery
When the rate of emergency is over, the appropriate Tribal or
federal agency will assume control of clean-up and restoration
activates, including the supervision of applicable carriers or
owners of HAZMAT or their contractors during recovery and disposal
operations.
5. Continuing Planning, Training, and other Aspects of Preparedness
Due to changing circumstances over time, the emergency response
system will need to be continuously evaluated concerning its
ability to respond adequately to HAZMAT incidents. At regular
intervals, this Plan will be tested through various exercise and
reviews. Training and re-training programs will be provided on a
regular basis to maintain proficiency among Tribal emergency
personnel. Emergency equipment will be checked regularly to
determine its condition, and repairs made as necessary.
VI. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. OVERVIEW
In keeping with its sovereign governmental powers, the Pueblo of Acoma
bears primary responsibilities related to public health and safety of
its members and resources within the boundaries of its reservation and
other Tribal lands. Therefore, Tribal governmental agencies have
responsibilities to provide law enforcement, fire suppression,
medical, public safety, and other protection services during
emergencies involving HAZMAT. Specific duties of tribal agencies are
described below.
The federal government also bears certain "trust" responsibilities to
the Pueblo of Acoma which also apply to HAZMAT incidents.
Accordingly, this Plan provides for participation as necessary by the
BIA, EPA, IHS, and other federal agencies in HAZMAT incidents.
Under certain conditions, other county, tribal, and/or state
governmental agencies may become participants in carrying out this
Plan. However, when assistance is rendered by "outside" agencies, the
Pueblo will retain primary jurisdiction and control.
As of the date of this initial Plan (March 1990), the Pueblo had not
established a Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) pending further
cooperative planning with Cibola County, Pueblo of Laguna, and other
neighboring governments. It is possible that future revisions to this
Plan will establish a HMRT. However, in the following descriptions of
Tribal agency responsibilities references to an HMRT mean those
specialized mitigation activities provided by the HMRT's and/or fire
departments of Cibola County or the Pueblo of Laguna as well is Acoma
emergency personnel.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRIBAL AGENCIES
1. Emergency Response Planning
The development and promulgation of official HAZMAT
emergency response plans by the Pueblo shall be the
responsibility of the Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee or such other agency as appointed by the Pueblo
Governor or Tribal Council.
2. Administration of the SARA Title III Program
Participation by the Pueblo in the SARA Title III Program
shall be coordinated through the Tribal Hazardous Materials
Safety Committee which shall serve as the "emergency response
commission" as defined under the Act.
Until further notice, the Committee shall also serve as the
"local emergency planning committee" as defined in the Act.
3. First Responder Actions
Any Tribal agency personnel trained in emergency response
measures shall be subject to undertaking "first responder"
responsibilities in HAZMAT incidents. Other tribal and/or
federal agency personnel who may be called upon to serve as
first responders include, but are not limited to, the
following;
a. tribal police officers;
b. community health representatives;
c. tribal land office officials;
d. A-C-L emergency medical personnels;
e. A-C-L/IHS safety officials.
4. Hazardous Materials Response Team
Pending the possible future establishment of a Hazardous
Materials Response Team (HMRT) by the Pueblo of Acoma,
specialized HAZMAT emergency mitigation and or fire-fighting
services will be requested from the Pueblo of Laguna and/or
Cibola County as necessary. Emergency services provided by
these or other "outside" agencies will be subject to the
direct supervision of the Acoma Tribal Incident Commander as
described in VII. B below. Responsibilities of an HMRT
include the following:
a. Establish safety perimeter for isolation of the accident
scene and emergency personnel and equipment from the
public and surrounding environment.
b. Set up COLD, WARM, and HOT zones as applicable and
designate areas within the appropriate zones for the
Incident Command post, staging, HMRT vehicles, fire trucks
and pumper units, decontamination, hazardous waste
storage, and other critical activities.
c. Conduct appropriate decontamination activities related to
personnel, products, cargoes, equipment, soil, and
facilities.
d. Perform continuous monitoring of air and water resources,
milk, and critical foodstuffs for presence of hazardous
concentrations of chemicals or other HAZMAT.
e. Perform or assist in radiological monitoring as applicable.
f. Conduct site recovery and restoration following
decontamination.
g. Provide technical support and advice as necessary to the
Incident Commander and other participating emergency
personnel.
5. Law Enforcement
The Acoma Tribal Police, and other (BIA, State of New Mexico
Police, Cibola County Police, Pueblo of Laguna Police, etc.)
cognizant law enforcement agencies shall, as appropriate,
perform the following:
a. coordinate activities with the Incident Commander;
b. provide crowd and traffic control;
c. initiate road closures and blockades as needed and within
their authority;
d. direct evacuation operations;
e. provide on-scene incident command for drug lab incidents;
f. provide on-scene incident command if no fire personnel are
available.
6. Fire Suppression
NOTE: As of the date of this Plan, the Pueblo did not possess
a fire department and relied primarily on response by the
Pueblo of Laguna fire department.
a. Provide on-scene incident command using the Incident
Command System, as applicable.
b. Conduct first-aid and emergency medical operations.
c. Establish minimum safety perimeter.
d. Conduct fire suppression and rescue activities.
e. Assist with hazardous chemicals and radiological
monitoring and decontamination.
f. Coordinate with County Fire Chief if incident requires a
second alarm.
g. Provide technical advice and support to the law
enforcement Incident Commander in case of drug lab
incident.
h. Provide stand-by emergency response capability at a drug
lab incident.
7. Emergency Medical and Ambulance
a. Persons injured in HAZMAT incidents requiring treatment at
a nearby hospital/clinic will be handled according to the
following!
(1) If HAZMAT contamination is evident or suspected, but
no radioactive materials are involved, injured
persons will be transported by ambulance to the A-C-L
Hospital.
(2) In the event that the capacity of the A-C-L Hospital
is reached during an emergency, an alternative
destination will be the Cibola County General
Hospital. Additional emergency treatment facilities
will be made available as necessary in Albuquerque,
New Mexico at the Lovelace Medical Center or
University of New Mexico Hospital.
(3) If radioactive materials are involved, injured
persons will be transported by ambulance (auto or
helicopter) to Albuquerque, New Mexico for treatment
at Lovelace Medical Center or University of New
Mexico Hospital.
8. Community Health Representatives
The Acoma CHR agency shall provide on-scene emergency
medical services as necessary including transport of
injured persons via ambulance or CHR vans for treatment at
the A-C-L Hospital or other designated medical facilities.
CHR personnel shall also assist as requested in emergency
evacuations and/or in notifying endangered residents of
appropriate protective actions.
9. Public Facilities
The Tribal Community Health Representative (CHR), the
Tribal land Office, Public Works, BIA, and IHS shall
coordinate with the Incident Commander and/or the EOC in
performing the following:
a. As requested by the EOC or Incident Commander, provide
and place material to dike, block, or absorb spilled
material to stop or limit its run-off.
b. Turn off potable water supplies, electric power,
natural gas, and other utilities as necessary during
"protective action" phase.
c. Facilitate repair and restoration of roadways,
bridges, and vital facilities.
d. Initiate debris clearance as needed.
e. Assist with utility restoration and road closures/
blockages/detours as needed.
10. Tribal Emergency Operations Management
Management of Tribal emergency operations shall be
conducted at two levels: (1) the incident level; and (2)
Tribal (multi-agency) level; depending upon the magnitude
and risk involved in each individual incident. For
incidents below "response level 2", management shall be
carried out by the local incident commander. The Tribal
EOC shall be activated and shall be responsible for
managing all incidents with a response level of 2 or 3.
When in operation, the EOC shall:
a. coordinate activities with the local Incident Commander;
b. assist with coordination of off-site resources;
c. administer the Tribal HAZMAT emergency response
functions as described in B.2 above;
d. provide public warning, notification, and news media
information services (see 11 below).
11. Public Information and Warning
a. Public information will be coordinated between
on-scene and off-scene operations. A Public
Information Officer (PIO) will be designated by the
Incident Commander to issue information about the
incident. The PIO will issue information provided by
the Incident Commander and in coordination with the
Tribal EOC.
b. Warnings and notifications related to evacuations,
in-place sheltering, and/or other protective measures
to be taken by the public during an emergency shall be
the responsibility of the Incident-Commander, or if in
operation at the time, by the EOC, acting through the
Public Information Officer (PIO) and/or other
designated Tribal Officials.
c. Pursuant to the "community right-to-know" provisions
of SARA Title III, the Committee shall: (1) make
available to the public upon written request
information concerning HAZMAT found in certain
facilities and in significant quantities on Tribal
lands; or station will provide an important role in
warning the public of any danger caused by a hazardous
materials incident.
All official news releases or information from the
Pueblo of Acoma concerning a HAZMAT incident will be
issued only by the Governor of the Pueblo or the
Tribal PIO.
(2) notify owners/operators of such facilities that public
disclosure of certain information is required.
12. Private Industry and Other Non-Tribal Organizations
Non-tribal organizations conducting business on Acoma
lands shall be responsible for the following:
a. using, storing and transporting hazardous materials
safely and in a manner that poses no threat to the
safety of the public;
b. reporting spills or incidents promptly;
c. being familiar with this Plan and, working with local
government, see that their emergency plans are
consistent with this Plan;
d. coordinating response activities with the Incident
Commander;
e. responding to emergencies as required by law unless
otherwise directed by the government agency with
jurisdiction to enforce applicable law;
f. clean-up and site restoration when required to do so
by law or when industry, in its discretion, decides,
to do so;
g. reporting HAZMAT inventories and annual toxic
materials release information as required by the SARA
Title III (Act).
13. Volunteer Organizations
Volunteer organizations may be requested to provide for
the social needs of victims. They shall respond only as
requested and as directed by the Incident Commander or the
Tribal EOC. Such organizations may include, but are not
limited to, the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
14. Media
Local newspapers, radio, television and cable companies
serving the area become involved in any emergency by
informing the public of the events taking place. The
local primary Emergency Broadcasting System (EBS)
VII. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES
A. PROCEDURES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
The following procedures shall be followed by law enforcement and
other emergency response personnel until an Incident Commander has
been established at the scene of a HAZMAT incident.
1. Size-up/Identification
a. Approach from upwind and upgrade.
b. Observe from safe distance.
c. Use binoculars if necessary.
d. Examine placards/labels.
e. Interview driver, conductors, facility operator, dock
manager, etc.
f. Examine shipping papers or I.D. numbers.
g. Refer to DOT Guidebook or Fire Fighter's Handbook of
Hazardous Materials.
2. Isolate Area
a. Avoid contact with materials , fumes, dust, etc.
b. Establish control line at safe distance.
c. Eliminate or avoid ignition sources.
d. Determine if larger evacuation is necessary to keep
people away from chemicals.
3. Provide for Personnel Safety
a. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
b. Consciously avoid committing personnel and equipment to
an unsafe situation.
4. Rescue Injured Persons (if possible to do so in a safe manner).
a. Identify all people who might have been injured or
exposed.
b. Record locations where injured persons will be sent for
treatment.
5. Notification and Technical Assistance
a. Alert Tribal Police dispatch or "Emergency Notification"
numbers shown on Table VII-1.
b. State and/or county agencies: (see Table VII-1).
c. Pueblo of Laguna (police and fire) 505-552-6685.
d. Federal agencies: National Response Center
(1-800-424-8802).
e. Industry: CHEMTREC 1-800-452-9300.
f. Emergency Medical advice: Poison Control Center
(1-800-452-7165) or (225-8969).
g. Provide the following information, if possible as
recorded on the prescribed reporting form, by voice
communications (radio or telephone):
- Your name, agency, locations and call back number;
- Type of material involved, characteristics, physical
state, physical effects;
- Amount of material released, duration of release,
total amount that may be released;
- Whether significant amounts of substance appear to be
entering the atmosphere, nearby water, storm drains;
- Direction, height, color, odor of vapor clouds or
plume;
- Weather conditions, local terrain conditions;
- Injuries, contamination, exposure;
- Responsible party;
- Personnel on scene.
6. Establish Incident Command
a. Determine who is the Incident Commander.
b. Set up field command post at same location.
c. Advise dispatcher of exact location of command post.
Table VII-1. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION TELEPHONE NUMBERS - see hard copy
d. Establish communications with off-scene help.
e. Brief new commander.
B. PROCEDURES FOR HAZMAT INCIDENT COMMAND POST
Emergency procedures applicable to the incident command group
or to a Hazardous Materials Team which may be summoned to the
scene are as follows:
1. Establish Incident Command
a. Clearly identify the Incident Commander.
b. Make sure command post is at a safe location.
c. Establish unified command, if appropriate, with
agencies on scene.
d. Identify lead Tribal agency, if necessary for
coordination of off-scene activities.
e. Establish staging areas for equipment, medical
treatment.
f. Assure notifications are made.
g. Determine assistance needed if any from the Tribal
EOC, federal, county, and other sources.
2. Determine the Hazard
a. Check placards, shipping papers, container labels,
etc. if possible.
b. Use reference books and off-scene help (i.e.,
CHEMTREC, etc.).
c. Identify hazardous material; estimate threat to the
population and environment.
d. Determine wind speed and direction.
e. Determine downwind, downstream, and downslope
exposures.
f. Identify ignition sources.
g. Use available detection equipment.
3. Provide for Personnel Safety
a. Ensure the use of proper personnel protective
equipment.
b. Evaluate need for further evacuation.
c. Document personnel exposure.
4. Establish Incident Exclusion and Control Zone
a. Re-evaluate isolation zone as established by first
responder in light of updated hazards data. Use
"table for initial evacuation" in DOT Emergency
Response Guidebook and information gathered in B.2
above to determine appropriate boundaries and
perimeter of exclusion zone.
b. Establish exclusion or control zone around accident
site using tape, rope, fire-hose, and/or other
materials to delineate boundaries.
c. Keep all unauthorized persons out of control zone.
d. As necessary, establish HOT, WARM, and COLD ZONES
within the exclusion area and designate specific
locations for command post, staging, emergency
medical services, decontamination, and other
operations.
5. Determine Emergency Response Level for the Incident.
Utilizing available information concerning the types and
quantities of HAZMAT involved, population groups and
critical facilities that may be affected,local current
meteorological conditions, availability of emergency
response resources, and other considerations, the Incident
Commander shall assess the incident and establish and
"emergency response level" which shall largely govern
subsequent actions.
The Incident Commander shall utilize Table VII-2 in
establishing the appropriate level of response.
Table VII-2. EMERGENCY RESPONSE LEVEL - see hard copy
When a Level II or Level III emergency is declared, the
Tribal Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated
and the nearest available HAZMAT Response Team will be
summoned to the accident site.
6. Incident Management (Local Incident and/or EOC Staff)
a. Develop incident action plan for:
(1) Incident command (or HAZMAT team) on-scene
actions;
(2) EOC actions for coordinating off-scene
resources with on-scene team.
b. Assign personnel responsibilities, and conduct the
following:
(1) Staging.
(2) Rescue.
(3) Traffic and crowd control.
(4) Containment.
(5) Off-site protective actions:
(a) in-place sheltering;
(b) evacuation;
(c) water supply protection;
(d) foodstuff protection.
(6) Fire Suppression.
(7) Emergency medical.
(8) Decontamination.
(9) Monitoring and measurements of environmental
conditions.
(10) HAZMAT waste disposal.
(11) Public Information.
(12) Communications.
(13) Public Works/infrastructure/utilities.
(14) Recording and documentation.
(15) Accounting for funds and expenses.
7. Decontamination and Recovery
Due to the extremely wide variety of HAZMAT involved, it
is not practical to describe herein all of the possible
decontamination and recovery procedures that may be
required in various incidents. Rather, this Plan relies
on utilization of available authoritative reference
manuals and the specific training of Tribal emergency
response personnel.
Whenever possible, as a general guideline, areas
contaminated by HAZMAT will be restored to pre-incident
conditions. This applies to both radioactive and
non-radioactive substances.
c. POST-ACCIDENT ASSESSMENT
After restoration of routine operations following an
incident, an assessment of all emergency actions shall
be made. Such assessment shall include, but not
necessarily be limited to, the following
determinations:
1. the timeliness and effectiveness of emergency
response activities by each participating agency;
2. availability of competent emergency personnel and
equipment to respond appropriately;
3. The need for mobilizing emergency resources from
other governmental entities;
4. The adequacy of the Tribal HAZMAT Emergency
Response Plan in guiding the actions of
participating agencies;
5. adequacy of specific "standard operating
procedures" (SOPs) for individual agencies
participating in the response;
6. The effectiveness of emergency response training
and exercises; and
7. the types and amounts of funds received and
expended in the incident.
Responsibilities for conducting post-accident
assessments shall be undertaken by the Tribal
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee and/or the
Incident Commander of the Tribal EOC, as
applicable.
VIII. CONTINUING PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
A. EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING
The availability of skilled Tribal and other emergency personnel
to respond rapidly in the event of HAZMAT incidents is critical to
the protection of human life, property, and the natural
environment. The successful execution of this Plan is highly
dependent upon the availability of an adequate number of personnel
trained specifically in emergency response procedures for HAZMAT
incidents. Therefore, this Plan calls for several types and
levels of emergency response training for Tribal personnel.
1. First Responder Training
Personnel from Tribal law enforcement, safety,
environmental, community health, medical, and fire
protection agencies will receive basic training, and
periodic refresher training, as necessary, in at least the
following topical areas:
a. hazardous materials characteristics, risks, potential
adverse effects, protective and control measures;
b. HAZMAT identification methods (placards, labels,
shipping papers, MSDS, etc.);
c. first aid;
d. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
e. use and maintenance of SCBA:
f. use and care of protective clothing;
g. use of "Incident Command System" and/or the HAZMAT Team
concept of operations;
h. outside assistance sources and how to contact them;
i. the purpose and use of this Plan.
2. HAZMAT Team and Incident Command Personnel
In addition to the "first responder" training outlined
above, members of a HAZMAT Team and/or Incident Command
personnel will receive both initial and periodic updated
training in HAZMAT containment, rescue, decontamination,
recovery, and site restoration practices and procedures.
Designated personnel will also receive "train-the-trainer"
instruction, training in FEMA's "Hazardous Materials
Contingency Planning" course, and other training related to
HAZMAT provided periodically by the DOT, EPA, FEMA, and/or
other agencies.
3. Emergency Operations Training
Incident Commanders and supervisory personnel involved in
Tribal EOC activities will also receive training in the
development of a multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP) and in EOC procedures.
4. Other Training
Tribal personnel at both policy and staff levels will
participate in briefings, conferences, and seminars.
related to HAZMAT incident preparedness sponsored by tribal,
federal, state, county, and other cognizant organizations as
appropriate to maintain both technical proficiency and
current awareness of governmental programs, policies, and
procedures.
B. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES, AND SUPPLIES
An inventory and status reports of essential emergency equipment
instrumentation, and supplies maintained by each Tribal agency
participating in this Plan will be complied by each agency and
reviewed by the Committee on at least an annual basis.
Facilities for sheltering of evacuees, designation of shelter
managers, emergency water and food supplies, evacuation routes,
and other resources related to evacuation will be established
2. HAZMAT Team and Incident Command Personnel
In addition to the "first responder" training outlined above,
members of a HAZMAT Team and/or Incident Command personnel will
receive both initial and periodic updated training in HAZMAT
containment practices and procedures.
in the Acoma Disaster and EOC plans and are adopted herein by
reference.
Critical equipment located outside of the Pueblo that may be summoned
to the scene of a HAZMAT incident will be identified and described in
appropriate documentation maintained in Tribal EOC/HAZMAT files.
C. ON-GOING CONTINGENCY PLANNING
This Plan is conceived as a "living" document that will require
regular review, updating, and revisions to reflect changing
conditions, new resources needed, improved methods, and other
factors.
The use of exercises is a way to assess the effectiveness of
procedures and coordination with other agencies before problems
occur in an actual emergency. Exercises consist of the
performance of duties, tasks, or operations in a manner similar to
the way they would be performed in a real emergency.
The goal of inter-agency training/exercising of this Plan is to
improve operational readiness by testing the skills and the
application of techniques, policies and guidelines relating to
this Plan. In support of that goal, exercises can:
- reveal planning weaknesses;
- identify resource gaps;
- improve inter-agency coordination;
- clarify roles and responsibilities;
- improve agency/individual performance.
The Tribal Hazardous Materials Safety Committee is responsible for
conducting, at least annually, tests and exercises of this Plan.
This activities may consist of "table-top" exercises and/or field
tests, as deemed appropriate by the Committee.
In reviewing and revising this Plan, the Committee may draw upon
the expertise and assistance from various federal, tribal, state,
county, and other organizations or individuals as necessary.
APPENDIX A
HAZARDS ANALYSIS
Transportation Risks and Nearby Sources of Hazardous Materials in the
Vicinity of the Pueblo of Acoma
TRANSPORTATION RISKS AND NEARBY SOURCES OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN THE VICINITY OF
THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA
Prepared for
Hazardous Materials Safety Committee
Pueblo of Acoma
June 1989
Council of Energy Resource Tribes
1580 Logan Street, Suite 400
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 832-6600
1.0 PURPOSE
This report discusses principal risks related to transportation of
hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and sources of hazardous materials at
off-site facilities in the vicinity of the Pueblo of Acoma
Reservation. Information contained herein is based on interviews with
tribal and other personnel and secondary data available from federal
and State of New Mexico agencies.
This report is one of a series of background studies intended to
provide assistance to the Pueblo of Acoma's Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee in developing an emergency response plan and recommendations
for other tribal safety activities.
In submitting this interim report, it is understood that the
information contained herein will be combined with other research
information being developed by the Committee (i.e., survey of HAZMAT
used within the Reservation, review of existing tribal emergency plans
and emergency response resources, vulnerability analysis, etc.) to
facilitate completion of the "review" and "hazards analysis" phases of
the HAZMAT emergency planning process.
2.0 REGIONAL SETTING
2.1 Location
The Pueblo of Acoma is located in west-central New Mexico within
Cibola County. The nearest metropolitan area is Albuquerque, NM,
approximately 60 miles east of the Acoma Reservation. The City of
Grants, NM is located approximately 8 miles west of the Reservation
boundary.
The Acoma Reservation adjoins the Pueblo of Laguna Reservation which
is located east of Acoma tribal lands. El Mal Pais National Monument,
now under development, is situated immediately west of the Acoma
Reservation.
2.2 Transportation Corridors
2.2.1 Highways
2.2.1 Highways
Interstate Highway No. 40 (I-40) crosses the entire northern portion
of the Acoma Reservation along a corridor of approximately 10.5 miles.
Along its entire length through the Reservation, this highway is in
close proximity to the Santa Fe Railroad corridor and the only
perennial stream on the Reservation.
This highway is the principal east-west interstate route through
central New Mexico and is heavily traveled with average daily traffic
of over 13,000 vehicles. (See Tables 2-1 and 2-2.)
State Route 23 provides access to Acoma Sky City from Casa Blanca
northeast of the Reservation. Additional paved roads extend in an
east-west direction from Los Cerritos and Acomita to McCartys and
Anzac communities on the Reservation. Two other paved highways
connect Acomita and McCartys to Acoma Sky City, both approximately 13
miles in length (See Figure 2-1.)
State Highway 117 extends in a north-south direction along the western
boundary of Acoma tribal lands, connecting on the north end with I-40.
This route provides access to El Mal Pais National Monument, Kowina (a
planned tribal cultural/tourist development), La Ventana Natural Arch,
and the City of Quemado, NM.
2.2.2 Railroad
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad has a mainline two-track
corridor extending in an east-west alignment across the entire
northern section of the Reservation. This railroad corridor
experiences heavy traffic flows of bulk, hazardous, and general
freight. The corridor generally follows the Rio San Jose Valley and
parallels the I-40 highway at several points.
Long freight trains consisting of multiple tank cars carrying various
hazardous materials (as noted by placards on the cars) are observed
daily along this corridor.
TABLE 2-1. AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY
NO. 40 AT CONTINUOUS RECORDER STATION NO. A49 EAST OF
GRANTS, NM NEAR PUEBLO OF ACOMA. - SEE HARD COPY
FIGURE 2-1. PUEBLO OF ACOMA MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS
2.2.3 Natural Gas Pipeline
Two major interstate natural gas pipelines, operated by El Paso
Natural Gas Company and the Transwestern Company, extend in an
east-west direction across the Reservation. The El Paso corridor runs
roughly parallel to the Santa Fe Railroad corridor. The Transwestern
Company pipeline runs east-west across the Los Cerritos property of
the Pueblo of Acoma. Figure 2-1 denotes the location of these
facilities.
The Community of Acomita is provided with natural gas through
distribution lines of the New Mexico Natural Gas Company which connect
with the El Paso Natural Gas Company system. Other trial communities
(Anzac, McCartys, and Acoma Sky City) are served by propane fuel which
is transported by truck to local storage tanks.
2.3 Population Distribution
As of early 1989, the resident population of the Pueblo of Acoma was
estimated at approximately 4,000. Virtually the entire population has
permanent residences in the communities located along the Rio San Jose
valley as follows:
Acomita 2,500
Anzac 200
McCartys 1,300
Total 4,000
While some residents maintain temporary occupancy of the Acoma Sky
City Pueblo in order to maintain this facility, they have permanent
residences in one of the other communities.
2.4 Governmental and Commercial Facilities
2.4.1 Tribal Government Complex
Acoma tribal headquarters and major tribal governmental agencies are
located in Acomita, NM. An educational complex as well as several
"Headstart" facilities are also located in Acomita.
2.4.2 A-C-L Hospital
The Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Regional Hospital (A-C-L) is located
between Acomita and the Los cerritos area, approximately 0.5 miles
south of the I-40 highway corridor. This facility provides medical
care, including emergency treatment, to residents of the Pueblo of
Acoma and the neighboring Pueblos of Laguna and Canoncito Navajo
reservations.
2.4.3 Acoma Sky City
Located 13 miles south of Acomita, Sky City is a major cultural
center and tourist attraction. It includes the well-preserved,
600-year old pueblo complex, a visitors center, gift shop and
restaurant.
2.4.4 Los Cerritos
This commercial complex, a tribal enterprise, is located on a site of
over 200 acres on tribally-owned land adjacent to the I-40 highway
interchange that serves Acomita. The Los cerritos development
includes an automotive service station, restaurant, gift shop, grocery
store, and laundry. An automotive rest stop is located immediately
south of this complex at the I-40/Acomita interchange.
2.4.5 Kowina Facility
Located along State Highway 117 approximately 15 miles south of I-40
on tribal fee land, the Kowina facility, presently not in operation,
consists of a commercial-type building and the Calabash Ruins, ancient
village ruins believed to be inhabited by ancestors of the Acoma and
other Pueblos. The Pueblo of Acoma plans to develop the Kowina
complex as a cultural and visitors center to coincide with development
of the adjacent El Mal Pais National Monument.
3.0 Transportation Hazards
3.1 Highways
Interstate Highway No. 40 (I-40) supports a heavy volume of passenger
and freight traffic, averaging over 13,000 vehicles per day in 1987.
Over 3,700 heavy commercial vehicles (approximately 27 percent of
total traffic) crossed the Acoma Reservation daily in 1987. Although
statistical data is not available from State or Federal sources
concerning the number of vehicles transporting hazardous materials, it
is know that a significant number of commercial carriers transport
such freight through observation of warning placards posted on
vehicles.
Traffic volume, in terms of "average daily traffic" (ADT), has shown
a steady growth over the past five years as recorded at two
intersections on the Reservation. At a continuous recorder station
near the western boundary of the reservation, ADT has increased from
11,331 to 13,817 for the period 1983 through 1987, a growth of about
22 percent. Tables 2-1 and 2-2, respectively, provide ADT and
vehicle classification data at this recorder site.
Some indications of hazardous areas along I-40 on the reservation are
provided in Tables 3-1 and 3-2 which contain data on the number of
highway accidents involving fatalities, injuries, and property damage
for a 7.0 mile segment between New Mexico Route 117 and the San
Fidel/McCartys interchange and a 5.6 mile segment between the San
Fidel/McCartys interchange and the Acomita interchange. The 7.0 mile
segment has experienced 85 accidents, 5 deaths, and 63 personal
injuries over the 3 year period 1985 to 1987.
TABLE 3-1. HIGHWAY ACCIDENT HISTORY: 1985-1987 - SEE HARD COPY
TABLE 3-2. HIGHWAY ACCIDENT HISTORY: 1985-1987 - SEE HARD COPY
TABLE 3-3. FATALITY AND ACCIDENT RATES; 63.5 MILE SEGMENT OF
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY NO. 40 BETWEEN GRANTS, NM AND
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - 1987 SEE HARD COPY
2.4.5 Kowina Facility
Located along State Highway 117 approximately 15 miles south of I-40
on tribal fee land, the Kowina facility, presently not in operation,
consists of a commercial-type building and the Calabash Ruins, ancient
village ruins believed to be inhabited by ancestors of the Acoma and
other Pueblos. The Pueblo of Acoma plans to develop the Kowina
complex as a cultural and visitors center to coincide with development
of the adjacent El Mal Pais National Monument.
3.0 Transportation Hazards
3.1 Highways
Interstate Highway No. 40 (I-40) supports a heavy volume of passenger
and freight traffic, averaging over 13,000 vehicles per day in 1987.
Over 3,7000 heavy commercial vehicles (approximately 27 percent of
total traffic) crossed the Acoma Reservation daily in 1987. Although
statistical data is not available from State or federal sources
concerning the number of vehicles transporting hazardous materials, it
is known that a significant number of commercial carriers transport
such freight through observation of warning placards posted on
vehicles.
Traffic volume, in terns of "average daily traffic"(ADT), has shown a
steady growth over the past five years as recorded at two
intersections on the Reservation. At a continuous recorder station
near the western boundary of the reservation, ADT has increased from
11,331 to 13,817 for the period 1983 through 1987, a growth of about
22 percent. Tables 2-1 and 2-2, respectively, provide ADT and
vehicle classification data at this recorder site.
Some indications of hazardous areas along I-40 on the reservation are
provided in Table 3-1 and 3-2 which contain data on the number of
highway accidents involving fatalities, injuries, and property damage
for a 7.0 mile segment between New Mexico Route 117 and the San
Fidel/McCartys interchange and the Acomita inter
During 1987, there were 37 accidents, 4 deaths, and 26 injuries along
this segment.
For the 5.6 mile segment between the San Fidel/McCartys interchange
and the Acomita interchange, there were 28 accidents, 2 deaths, and 29
injuries during the period 1985-1987.
A comparison of accident and fatality rates along various segments of
a 63.5 mile corridor of I-40 between Grants, NM and Albuquerque, NM,
is provided in Table 3-3. This data indicates that the 7.0 mile
segment on the Acoma Reservation (see line 2 in Table 3-3) had the
highest overall accident rate and the second highest fatality rate of
the eleven (11) segments on this corridor during the year 1987. It is
not known why this segment has experienced such a high accident rate.
3.2 Railroads
The Santa Fe Railroad mainline corridor through the Reservation
experiences a large number of trains carrying hazardous as well as
general freight. Long trains with numerous tank cars containing
petroleum and a variety of other hazardous materials are observed
along this corridor.
Information concerning the number of trains, quantities of HAZMAT, and
accidents for rail transportation within the Acoma Reservation has not
been immediately available. The sparcity of information regarding
railroad shipments in general, and HAZMAT incidents in particular, is
due largely to the requirements for reporting only those incidents
involving significant spills, injuries, or property damages.
According to the New Mexico State Corporation Commission, there have
been only two reported transportation incidents involving releases of
HAZMAT, in western New Mexico within the past 5 years. Both incidents
occurred during 1988 in Gallup, NM, over 65 miles west of the
Reservation. The first such incident involved the release of
approximately 30 gallons of toluene diisocynanate, a poisonous
substance, during a derailment on June 19, 1988. The second
incident, occurring on December 29, 1988, involved a seven-car
derailment which released an estimated 75 gallons of the flammable
liquid, butyl acetate. Neither accident resulted in personal injuries
nor death.
The most recent railroad accident on the Reservation occurred in
Mid-March 1989 in which a tank car carrying some type of hazardous
substance derailed. There were no reported releases of HAZMAT,
injuries, or damage.
In view of the large quantities of HAZMAT shipped routinely through
the Reservation, the proximity of the railroad corridor to tribal
communities and the Rio San Jose, and several grade crossings along
this route, the entire railroad corridor through the Reservation may
be regarded as a hazardous zone. A major accident, such as a large
chlorine gas release, could require evacuation of 200 to 4,000
persons, depending upon meteorological conditions and location of such
accident.
3.3 Natural Gas Pipelines
Hazards associated with natural gas pipelines include fire and
explosions. The two major interstate pipelines traversing the
Reservation present hazards especially to the communities of Acomita
and McCartys and the Los Cerritos Commercial area.
A fire at the El Paso Natural Gas Company pipeline a few years ago
required temporary evacuation of a number of nearby residences on the
Reservation. This accident resulted in brush fires of several acres
with temporary loss of ground cover and wildlife habitat.
4.0 Nearby Off-Site Hazardous Materials Sources
There are at least three (3) facilities containing significant
quantities of hazardous materials located in close proximity to the
Acoma Indian Reservation. These are (1) Chemical Marketing Services
facility located approximately 2 miles west of Milan, New Mexico; (2)
Grants Municipal Swimming Pool; and (3) Grants Municipal Sewage
Treatment Plant. Each of these facilities is subject to the emergency
planning and reporting provisions of the federal "Emergency Planning
and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986" (Title III, Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act) and are described in the Cibola
County Emergency Response Plan for Hazardous Releases, dated October
5, 1988.
4.1 Chemical Marketing Services
According to the Cibola County plan (see above,) this facility
maintains an average inventory of 100,000 lbs. of sulfuric acid
(H(2)SO(4)). A postulated release of 1,000 lbs. is not expected to
result in substantial off-site effects as this material is non-
flammable and is not volatile.
4.2 Grants Municipal Swimming Pool
This facility is located in Grants, NM, approximately 10 miles of
the Acoma Indian Reservation. The Cibola County HAZMAT emergency plan
states that approximately 500 lbs. of chlorine is on hand at this
facility. Title III, SARA requires reporting of chlorine gas releases
of 10 lbs. or more. A spill of 150 lbs. from this facility may
require temporary evacuation of residences and other facilities within
distances of 1-2 miles, depending on atmospheric conditions.
It appears unlikely that reportable release of chlorine gas would
affect the Pueblo of Acoma, assuming that the current inventory of 500
lbs. is not exceeded.
4.3 Grants Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant
As reported in the Cibola County plan, approximately 2 to 3 tons of
chlorine gas is on hand at the Grants, NM municipal sewage treatment
facility. This plan postulates that an accidental release of 3 tons
from this facility would result in a toxic cloud plume that could
require mass evacuation of 6,000 people within several miles of Grants
in an extreme case.
Under unfavorable meteorological conditions (e.g., stable atmosphere,
low to moderate wind speed, westerly wind direction, and a substantial
release), a chlorine gas cloud plume could affect residents in the
northern and western portions of the Acoma Indian Reservation based on
preliminary calculations by CERT.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
5.1 HAZMAT Transportation Concerns
The Pueblo of Acoma is subject to a variety of accidents involving the
transportation of hazardous materials along interstate Highway 40, the
Santa Fe Railroad corridor, and two natural gas pipelines traversing
tribal lands. Highway traffic has shown continued growth over the
past five years, and the frequency of accidents resulting in deaths
and injuries within tribal lands has been significantly higher than
many other segments of I-40 in New Mexico.
Although specific data concerning hazardous materials shipments
through the Reservation are not immediately available, a reasonable
estimate for HAZMAT highway shipments can be derived from overall
truck shipment statistics. For example, assuming an overall ADT of
14,000 vehicles, a 27% factor for heavy vehicles and a 3% factor (a
national, not local factor) for HAZMAT traffic, it is estimated that
approximately 113 HAZMAT truck shipments cross Acoma lands on I-40
each day. (Note: a special local survey would provide more precise
data.)
Concerning HAZMAT shipments by railroad, the Pueblo of Acoma is
vulnerable to accidents which could, in severe cases, result in
substantial adverse impacts to public health and the environment.
While data on railroad HAZMAT shipments and accidents for the
Reservation are not immediately available via published reports, it is
known through direct observations by cognizant tribal personnel that
numerous railroad shipments involving HAZMAT cross tribal lands on a
daily basis.
There have been several railroad accidents on the Reservation in
recent years, several of which involved trains carrying placarded
cars. While there have been no reports of HAZMAT releases during
these accidents, the frequency and volume of HAZMAT railroad shipments
through the Acoma corridor gives rise to need for specific tribal
emergency preparedness and perhaps other safety related activities.
As mentioned in 3.3, two natural gas pipelines crossing the northern
area of Acoma lands pose some health and safety risks. The Tribe has
already experienced natural gas pipeline fires resulting in some
damages.
5.2 Risks from Off-Site HAZMAT Releases
Among the three (3) nearby facilities in Cibola County which maintain
reportable quantities of HAZMAT, the Grants sewage treatment facility
is believed to present sufficient risks to warrant concern by the
Pueblo of Acoma. Under a maximum credible chlorine gas release from
this facility, populations within a radius of up to 25 miles could be
adversely affected, especially during unfavorable atmospheric
conditions. Such a release could affect the tribal communities of
Acomita, Anzac, and McCartys.
The current Cibola County HAZMAT emergency response plan,
unfortunately does not identify potential risks nor vulnerable areas
beyond its jurisdictional area. Also, the plan does not address the
needs for cooperation between the county and tribal governments in
emergency preparedness and response.
5.3 Needs for Enhancing Tribal HAZMAT Safety
Tribal efforts to enhance public safety and environmental protection
related to the use, storage, disposal, and transportation of HAZMAT
may include measures to:
1. Reduce the consequences of HAZMAT accidents through timely and
effective emergency response; and
2. Reduce the likelihood (probability) of such accidents through
safety promotion, regulatory, and/or monitoring activities.
The Acoma Hazardous Materials Safety Committee has determined that its
first priority is to develop and implement a HAZMAT emergency response
plan and preparedness program. Findings of this report corroborate
and support the need to further develop tribal emergency response
capabilities. An emergency plan specifically related to HAZMAT would
augment and extend existing tribal plans for natural disasters.
The second category (i.e., reducing the likelihood of HAZMAT
accidents) is beyond the scope of this report and is expected to be
addressed in future Committee activities.
6.0 Recommendations
Based on findings of this interim report, two sets of recommendations
are offered for consideration by the Committee: (1) recommendations
concerning the emergency response planning process; and (2)
recommendations for the content of the emergency plan specifically
related to HAZMAT transportation risks and offsite sources of HAZMAT.
6.1 Recommendations for the Emergency Planning Process
1. Develop scenarios for "most likely" and "worst-case" HAZMAT
transportation and off-site accidents to provide a basis for
emergency planning priorities. (Note: Such scenarios
should also be developed for HAZMAT releases involving fixed
facilities on or near the reservation.) These scenarios
should be focused on: (a) highway and railroad accidents
involving selected "extremely hazardous substances"
including certain radioactive materials; and (b) accidental
HAZMAT releases from the Grants Municipal Sewage Treatment
Plant and possibly other off-reservation facilities.
2. Determine appropriate emergency response actions for each
scenario including identification of vulnerable areas and
numbers of persons in each area to be protected or evacuated
if necessary.
3. Pursue cooperative arrangements with Cibola County, Pueblo
of Laguna, and other cognizant federal, state and local
governments to facilitate coordinated HAZMAT emergency
response planning.
4. Determine tribal safety personnel and equipment requirements
for effective response to each selected scenario, and
compare projected requirements with currently available
resources.
It is further recommended that additional data collection be conducted
by the Acoma Hazardous Materials Safety Committee to supplement
information for the Tribal Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan
but not available in this report. Such efforts could include the
following:
1. Highway and railroad surveys of HAZMAT shipments, which
might be performed by tribal personnel through direct
observations and recording of all "placarded" vehicles over
perhaps a 3 to 5 day period. This information could provide
more precise information concerning the types and quantities
of HAZMAT movements across the Reservation.
2. Request data from the Santa Fe Railroad concerning average
daily, monthly, and/or annual shipments, types, tonnage,
and carloads of HAZMAT transported through the Reservation.
Also, request information concerning the number, location,
types, and consequences (damages) of railroad accidents
involving HAZMAT on or near tribal lands during the past five
years.
6.2 Recommendations for Contents and Execution of the Plan
1. Establish emergency organization, responsibilities,
communications, notification, and other procedures for
various types of accidents, Distinguish between those
accidents which can be handled effectively by only one of two
agencies and larger incidents requiring multiple emergency
responses and/or activation of the tribal emergency
operations center.
2. Designate "safe havens" for temporary isolation of disabled
or damaged vehicles, rail cars and HAZMAT cargoes pending
cleanup and restoration.
3. Designate sites, on and/or off the Reservation, for disposal
of soil, cargoes, and other materials that have become
contaminated in HAZMAT accidents.
4. Provide for "first responder" training for all tribal police
officers, fire protection, community health field
representatives, natural resources field personnel, and
safety officials. Selected supervisory and/or other
designated officials should also become certified as
emergency response instructors and should receive more
intensive training in hazardous materials emergency response,
accident assessment, and decontamination and recovery
operations.
Additionally, specialized training and informational
conferences should be provided for tribal personnel
concerning the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP)
transportation program. This should be conducted in
cooperation with DOE and perhaps the state of New Mexico and
neighboring governments.
5. Provide for mobilizing "secondary" response as necessary by
tribal organizations and outside organizations(federal,
state, and county) in such activities as contamination
control, evacuations, protection of drinking water and food
supplies, and emergency medical services.
6. Provide for periodic drills and exercises, including staging
of mock accidents, to test the effectiveness of emergency
plans and procedures.
7. Conduct at least annual reviews to determine the needs for
updating emergency plans, as required by the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT SUPPLEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT STATEMENT, WASTE ISOLATION PILOT PLANT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DATED APRIL 1989
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
The Pueblo of Acoma hereby submits its comments on the Draft
Supplement, Environmental Impact Statement, Waste Isolation Pilot
Plant (DOE/EIS-0026-DS), dated April 1989.
The principal concerns of the Pueblo of Acoma regarding the proposed
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are that:
1. Highway and railroad shipments of transuranic (TRU) wastes
from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities in California
and Nevada to the WIPP are proposed to be routed along
Interstate Highway No. 40 (I-40) and the Santa Fe Railroad
corridors through the Acoma Indian Reservation, thereby
presenting significant additional risks to the Tribe's
population and environment; and
2. Emplacement of TRU wastes at the WIPP is proposed to take
place within underground geologic formations comprised largely
of salt. The use of salt for these purposes is counter to the
traditional religious beliefs and customs of the Acoma people
and certain other Indian tribes in New Mexico, and therefore
constitutes a practice offensive to the Pueblo of Acoma.
Additional risks posed by TRU wastes transportation through Acoma
lands may be unacceptable unless adequate provisions can be made to
assist the Pueblo of Acoma in meeting its increased responsibilities
for protecting the public and environment within its jurisdiction.
A number of inadequate exist in current DOE plans for assisting state,
tribal, and local governments in meeting their respective
responsibilities related to the WIPP. These include needs for: (a)
developing appropriate emergency response plans; (b) training of
tribal and local safety and other officials; (c) acquiring requisite
emergency monitoring and response equipment; and (d) establishing
cooperative arrangements for other safety-related activities.
More specific comments concerning the draft SEIS are as follows:
1. The draft SEIS, Appendix D, page D-13, states that routes were
selected on the basis of criteria required by federal
(DOE,NRC, and DOT) regulations and as established in
consultation with the State of New Mexico and other "corridor
states".
Comments:
a. The Pueblo of Acoma was not consulted by the DOE nor State
of New Mexico officials during the evaluation and planning
of highway routes.
b. Alternate routes for shipments from the DOE's Nevada Test
Site and/or the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in
California are not discussed in the draft SEIS. Alternate
routing using Interstate No. 10 (I-10) through the
southern portions of Arizona and New Mexico should be
discussed in the SEIS, including an analysis of road and
weather conditions and overall radiological risks as
compared with I-40.
2. Appendix C, SEIS, discusses emergency response training for
corridor states and Indian tribes to prepare them for coping
with TRU waste transportation accidents within their
jurisdiction. On page C-5, Appendix C, the statement is made
that emergency training courses...." will be taught one to
four months prior to initial TRUPACT-II shipments".
Comments: A 1 to 4 month lead time is seriously inadequate for
training and preparedness by tribal safety personnel. A
12-month advance preparation schedule is strongly recommended.
3. Page C-5, second paragraph, mentions that training for state
(and presumably tribal) personnel for the "first
transportation corridor" and the "Southern Transportation
Corridor" is scheduled for, respectively, 1988 and 1989.
Comment: No mention is made for training for public safety
personnel along other corridors. When and to what
extent will such training be provided?
4. Appendix C does not mention any provisions for supplying
radiological monitoring instruments or other emergency
equipment to state, tribal, or local safety agencies.
Comment: Provisions should be made for furnishing such
equipment as necessary to cognizant tribal and local
agencies. Additionally, assistance to tribal and
local governments should be provided by DOE for
periodic maintenance and calibration of radiological
monitoring equipment.
5. Appendix D, Page D-40 mentions the TRANSCOM Tracking System
and that state and tribal governments, "will have access to
limited functions of TRANSCOM", and that "appropriate software
training will be provided...."
Comment: The SEIS should indicate that DOE will facilitate
voluntary participation in the TRANSCOM System
through assistance to tribal and state governments in
acquiring and using the required equipment.
6. Pages 6-41, 6-42, and 6-43 of the Final Environmental Impact
Statement for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (DOE/EIS-0026),
dated October 1980 discusses emergency procedures and
financial responsibility for accidents; however the draft SEIS
does not discuss this issue.
Comment: Since issuance of the final EIS in 1980, Congress
has amended the Price-Anderson Indemnification act to
provide more extensive coverage for private insurance
and federal indemnity. The applicability of these
new provisions to the WIPP facility and to TRU waste
transportation accidents should be discussed in the
draft SEIS.
Further, the extent to which tribal or local governments might
be burdened with additional emergency response or
decontamination expenses and other liabilities in the event of
TRU waste transportation accidents should be discussed.
7. Tables 5.6, 5.7, and 5.9, do not provide data for occupational
exposures for TRU waste transportation accidents.
Comment: This omission should be corrected.
8. Page D-5, Appendix D, states that DOE's contract motor
carriers, "will meet weight distribution and dimension
requirements".
Comment: The SEIS should indicate whether shipments will be
within "gross vehicle weight" (GVW) limits
established by the applicable states.
9. Appendix D, pp. D-8 and D-9, discusses proposed
transportation equipment maintenance and inspection policies.
Comment: The SEIS should also discuss plans for cooperation
with state and tribal authorities in establishing
acceptable locations for rest stops, refueling, and
vehicle maintenance as well as "safe havens" for
security of vehicles during equipment breakdowns or
interruptions of travel due to adverse road or
weather conditions.
Prepared by:
Council of Energy Resource Tribes
May 30, 1989
FIGURE - INTERSTATE 40 TRAFFIC DATA - 1987 PUEBLO OF ACOMA - SEE HARD
COPY
OFF-SITE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOURCES
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
I. CHEMICAL MARKETING SERVICES
LOCATION: 2 MILES WEST OF MILAN, NM
HAZMAT: 100,000 LBS. SULFURIC ACID
POSTULATED ACCIDENT: 1,000 LBS.
EFFECTS AT PUEBLO OF ACOMA: NONE EXPECTED
II. GRANTS MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL
LOCATION: GRANTS, NM
HAZMAT: 500 LBS. CHLORINE
POSTULATED ACCIDENT: 150 LBS.
EFFECTS AT PUEBLO OF ACOMA: UNLIKELY TO HAVE DANGEROUS
CONCENTRATIONS
III. GRANTS MUNICIPAL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
LOCATION: GRANTS, NM
HAZMAT: 4,000 TO 6,000 LBS. CHLORINE GAS
POSTULATED RELEASE: 6,000 LBS.
EFFECTS AT PUEBLO OF ACOMA: COULD REQUIRE EVACUATION
OF COMMUNITIES UNDER UNFAVORABLE METEOROLOGICAL
CONDITIONS
HYPOTHETICAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENT SCENARIOS
FOR EVACUATION OR IN-PLACE SHELTERING
AT THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA
Scenarios A:
An accident involving a semi-trailer truck loaded with chlorine gas
occurred at mile post 93, on June 8, 1989, at approximately 1:00 P.M.
Wind speed during that afternoon was going 13 miles per hour in an
easterly direction. Within five minutes the cloud of chlorine gas had
spread over the two rest areas, where tourists were stopped, and was
moving directly over I-40 and to as far east as the Lester Dugenia
residence.
Within 10 minutes the cloud had now covered all of McCartys Village
and continued to move eastward at 13 mph. Acomita Village and all
residence along the way would be covered in two hours.
Scenario B:
An accident involving a semi-trailer truck loaded with chlorine gas
occurred at mile post 96, on June 8, 1989, at approximately 1:00 P.M.
Wind speed during that afternoon was 13 miles per hour in an easterly
direction. Within five minutes the cloud of gas had covered all of
Chief Rancho and travelers on I-40.
Within 10 minutes the cloud had reached ShutivaVille. The cloud was
spreading over I-40 traffic and was now headed toward San Fidel, Exit
102, and Budville.
Prepared by Gilbert Ortiz for Acoma Hazardous Materials Safety
Committee.
MAP - 6-8-89 AFTERNOON AUG: 13 M.P.H. BLOWING FROM WEST - SEE HARD
COPY
APPENDIX B
GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF ON-SCENE RESPONSE
ACTIVITIES AT A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENT SITE
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR ON-SCENE RESPONSE
ACTIVITIES AT A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENT SITE
A. OVERVIEW
The following guidelines are designed to assist key personnel in
managing on-scene emergency response activities during an accident
involving hazardous materials (HAZMAT). These guidelines are to be
used in conjunction with the Acoma Emergency Response Plan for
Hazardous Materials Release and with various Tribal HAZMAT procedures
manuals in order to foster effective planning and execution of
on-scene emergency operations.
Management of on-scene HAZMAT emergency operations can be quite
demanding often requiring rapid assessment of hazards and risks,
determining needs for safety of response personnel and nearby
residents and facilities, acquiring expert personnel and equipment
from several sources, mobilizing emergency medical services, and
undertaking a variety of decontamination, recovery, and restoration
activities involving many persons and organizations -- all under
heavy pressures of time and risks.
Most HAZMAT incidents require management direction and control over
a number of inter-related emergency activities often including police,
emergency medical, fire fighting, public works, and other safety
personnel whose efforts must be applied competently and at just the
right time in order to minimize injuries, loss of life and property,
and environmental damage.
Generally, the on-scene emergency management process includes the
following steps to be taken during various phases:
1. Initial Response Phase
a. Establishment of site management areas; including setting
of site perimeter for exclusion of bystanders, control of
run-off, traffic re-direction, rescue, and other
immediate actions;
b. Hazard and risk assessment; identification of hazardous
materials involved, amounts released and likely to be
released; extent of localized and potential off-site
releases into soil, water courses, and the atmosphere,
and determination of needs for protective actions onsite
and in surrounding areas.
c. First aid and transport of injured persons to designated
medical treatment facilities
d. Determination of overall incident response requirements;
i.e., number and types of emergency personnel and
equipment required to cope with the incident.
e. Establishment of the on-scene incident command system;
including appointment of key supervisory and functional
officers, team leaders, and other personnel.
2. Incident Control and Confinement Phase
a. Control of HAZMAT releases, including stopping of
material flow via repairs, plugging, diversion, etc.
b. Containment of released material, through diking,
diversion, soil or foam cover, neutralization, etc.
c. Protection of on-scene and off-site personnel and
critical resources and facilities, including
notification to off-site residents for protective actions
(e.g., in-place sheltering, evacuation, administration
of antidotes, radioprotective drugs, etc.) as well as
protection of water supplies, milk, and food supplies.
3. Decontamination and Recovery Phase
a. Removal and/or cleaning of contaminated products,
equipment, soil and other resources, via various
processes (absorption, dilution and disposal, etc.)
b. Continuous monitoring of water resources and atmosphere;
determine levels of contamination and volatility of
explosive, corrosive, toxic, and/or radioactive
substances involved in the incident.
4. Restoration and Termination Phase
a. Clean up emergency equipment.
b. Conduct follow-up medical examinations for emergency
personnel, as necessary.
c. Perform inventory of equipment used, expended, lost,
and damaged.
d. Prepare incident documentation and reports.
Additional guidelines for on-scene emergency management are provided
as follows:
B. ESTABLISHING INCIDENT COMMAND
It is essential that the community fire department or other agency
having jurisdiction over the incident establish a Command Post as soon
as possible. This will be the operational headquarters from which
the incident can be brought under control.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER should establish his Command Post in a visible
area, up wind, and up hill far enough from the incident site so it
will not be in danger of contamination.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER should determine which areas are safe and which
should be restricted. The COLD ZONE should include the immediate
incident site and any area of possible contamination. Within the COLD
ZONE will be the WARM ZONE being that which will be used exclusively
by the Hazardous Materials Response Team Vehicle. The WARM ZONE shall
encompass the HOT AREA, the DECONTAMINATION AREA and the EMS AREA.
Only needed personnel should be allowed into the COLD ZONE. Only the
Hazardous Materials Response Teams members will be allowed in the HOT
ZONE. Personnel and equipment not immediately needed should be
maintained in a ready position inside a STAGING AREA.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER should have at his discretion SECTOR OFFICERS
to fulfill various field functions (such as staging and water supply),
or any other task necessary. The Technicians that respond will
establish a Forward Command Post if necessary, in the WARM ZONE.
Tactical operations concerning the identification, containment and
clean up will commence from this area. It is essential that the
HAZMAT OFFICER be in constant communication with the INCIDENT
COMMANDER so that well informed decisions can be made concerning the
incident.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER must ensure that the incident is continually
monitored so as to detect any change in conditions such as run off,
change in the direction of vapor cloud, etc. The MONITORING OFFICER
will fulfill this role as outlined in APPENDIX C.
If it is determined by the INCIDENT COMMANDERS responsibility to
contact and request any auxiliary aid. This may include, but is not
limited to, Police Departments, Public Works, Heavy Equipment and
operators, Red Cross, CHEMTREC, CHLOREP, EPA, etc.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION
It would be impossible for the Hazardous Materials Response Team
vehicle or other responding vehicles to carry everything that may be
needed on the scene of an incident. It will be expected that the
participating fire departments provide for the following items to be
on the scene or enroute to the scene when the HMRT's vehicle arrives.
MOBILE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (MICU) - It is essential and a top priority
that an HICU is available from the staging area at all times during a
Hazardous Materials Incident exclusively for Technicians.
FOAM - It is recommended that each department carry 25 gallons of AFFF
3/6% foam. The affected fire department should be able to acquire
additional amounts of foam as may be necessary for an incident at a
moment's notice. Foam once applied must constantly cover a spill to
ensure adequate protection for all concerned, during all phases of the
operation. Large volumes of foam may require a plastic or galvanized
tub (1(INCH) high by 3(INCHES) in diameter) to ease education.
WATER SUPPLY - A sufficient water supply should be established with a
sufficient amount of Fire Department Engines to maintain the required
water supply during all phases of the operation.
BOOKS - Key resource books and other references should be on hand in
at least one responding vehicle including the HMRT vehicle.
MANPOWER - A sufficient number of fire fighting personnel must be
available for hose lines, master stream devices, pumping, hydrant
hook ups, isolating and evacuation, and many other duties deemed
necessary by the Incident Commander.
MISCELLANEOUS - Additional items such as straw bales, assorted tools
dirt or sand, neutralizing agents, breathing air and heavy equipment
may be required at the incident. It is recommended that each
department maintain a resource information guide to indicate where
these items can be obtained nearby at any time.
D. RESPONSE TO AN INCIDENT
All units responding in to a hazardous materials incident should
approach from the up wind, up hill side of the incident whenever
possible. Responding units should never enter a-vapor cloud or any
other contaminated area.
EMS personnel will report to and remain in the staging area until they
are directed, by the Incident Commander, to provide emergency medical
treatment to any injured.
It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander to request the
Hazardous Materials Response Team vehicle and Technicians. The
Hazardous Materials Response Team vehicle will respond to the incident
with emergency warning equipment activated.
Technicians responding to the scene of an incident shall respond in a
department vehicle.
E. MUTUAL AID
This will refer to the actual work related to the identification,
containment and clean up of the incident.
The Technicians operating at the incident should operate within all
safety guidelines and at all times follow appropriate operating
procedures. The protective equipment for personnel who will be
operating in the COLD ZONE, WARM ZONE, EMS AREA and DECONTAMINATION
AREA will be established and made available prior to commencing
decontamination activities. Protective gear (clothing and SCBA) got
mitigation teams will be utilized for any entry into the HOT ZONE.
There shall never be any eating, drinking or smoking by any individual
inside the COLD ZONE (which also includes the WARM and HOT zones).
Technicians should follow proper containment procedures for each
situation on an individual basis. There are times that it may be
necessary to provide as much protection to life and property as is
safely possible and allow a spill or leak to go unchecked until an
expert on the particular material is available for consultation or
possible to respond to handle it personally.
G. DECONTAMINATION
Prior to any Technicians taking steps toward the containment, or
clean up of any spill or leak, the Decontamination Area shall be set
up with all necessary equipment to decontaminate any person and/or
equipment that will become contaminated.
The nine step decontamination process (see Figure B-1) should be
utilized in whole or in part to accomplish decontamination. It may be
necessary to consult several books relating to a particular hazard to
determine exactly how to handle.
The manufacturer, shipper, CHENTREC, CAMEO II, and reference books are
all resources that should be used to determine the proper
decontamination procedure.
The Incident Commander should ensure that all necessary personnel and
equipment are kept away from any contaminated area to keep the task of
decontaminating to a minimum.
The DECONTAMINATION OFFICER must pay close attention to, and provide
for water run off during the decontamination process.
No persons or equipment should leave the contaminated area without
passing through the DECONTAMINATION AREA and being properly
decontaminated.
In case of an emergency where a Technician or other person needs
immediate medical attention, a quick, yet thorough, gross
decontamination should be performed to remove any material that may
still be in contact with the skin. This individual should then be
wrapped in clean sheets or placed in a body bag and transported
immediately to the appropriate medical facility.
H. MITIGATING THE INCIDENT
Generally it will be the Hazardous Materials Response Team Technicians
that will do the actual hands-on containment of materials at an
incident.
Because there are so many different materials to content with, it
should be remembered that no two incidents will be the same. In some
cases, normal fire department personnel will be utilized in the
containment procedures. In many cases, only two Technicians in the
correct level of full protective clothing will be involved.
It is the primary operational goal of all concerned when dealing with
hazardous materials to isolate, contain, and neutralize (or stabilize)
the material when possible. Extreme caution should be taken by all
personnel to ensure minimum exposure. All available specialized
tools, equipment, and apparatus should be used to provide maximum
protection and efficiency for all those who will be working to
mitigate the incident.
Technicians should avoid direct contact with cargos and products at
all times!
I. COMMUNICATIONS
Effective communications are essential to the successful mitigation of
any hazardous materials incident. Primary means of communications
with tribal, state, county, and other interested agencies will be via
the Tribal police and other mobile radio units. The radio dispatch
office in Tribal police headquarters will serve as the communications
center.
J. DEFINITIONS
INCIDENT COMMANDER - Will be understood to be the chief safety or law
enforcement officer, or his designee, of the community in which the
incident occurs. This individual will be designated by the title
INCIDENT COMMANDER.
DECONTAMINATION AREA - The area on the incident scene where
decontamination takes place. This area will be restricted to persons
and equipment that are contaminated, and the decontamination team.
FIGURE B-1. DECONTAMINATION AREA OPERATIONS AT A HAZMAT INCIDENT SITE
- SEE HARD COPY
FULL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING and EQUIPMENT - Minimum protection for all
personnel operating in the COLD ZONE at the scene of a Hazardous
Materials incident will be full fire fighter turnout gear, including
helmet, coats, boots or bunker pants, gloves and self contained,
positive pressure breathing apparatus. Other specified clothing may
be required at varied incidents.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Any substance or material in a quantity or form
that may pose a threat of unreasonable risk to life, health, and/or
property when stored, transported or used in commerce.
RESPONSE - Will refer to the actual travel of the HMRT's vehicle and
HMRT's personnel to an incident. Responding vehicles will be
considered to be in an emergency status and respond with emergency
warning equipment.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT - Any incident involving a hazardous
material or materials in which the materials are eminently life
threatening or are in condition in which the threat to life and/or
property is severe.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE TEAM TECHNICIANS - Personnel specially
trained to deal with a hazardous materials incident.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM VEHICLE - A vehicle specially
equipped to support a Hazardous Materials Response Team and to be used
in conjunction with conventional fire-fighting and emergency medical
equipment in responding to an incident.
HAZARDS SECTOR - This sector will identify the operations of the
Hazardous Materials Response Team.
COLD ZONE - The COLD ZONE is defined as the area affected by the
hazardous materials incident. This may be an area quite small in the
case of a very minor problem or an area quite large in the event of a
major discharge or spill. The COLD ZONE is generally the outer
periphery or boundary of the area that is deemed unsafe for
non-emergency personnel. The incident command post may be inside the
COLD ZONE, usually in an upwind and/or uphill direction. Other areas
inside this perimeter may include the staging area and sector areas
surrounding the incident that provide observation needs. The COLD
ZONE should provide a safe "buffer zone" completely around the
incident if necessary and be large enough to provide for unexpected
changes in the incident situation such as wind shifts and
deteriorating conditions in the HOT ZONE. The COLD ZONE should be
able to be expanded to respond to these types of changes if the need
should arise without unnecessary delay. All apparatus operating in
the COLD ZONE shall be facing to effect immediate tactical withdrawal
and have a planned secondary escape route.
WARM ZONE - The WARM ZONE is defined as that area within the overall
COLD ZONE at the scene of an incident involving hazardous materials in
which only members operating as HAZMAT Team personnel are allowed.
The basic goal is to eliminate all extra personnel from this area of
potential danger in the event of a problem. This area may be
identified as a simple radius from the actual spill or leak. It may
also be an area of uneven shape if required. This area includes the
HOT ZONE and DECON AREA. This area must not be contaminated or in
danger of becoming contaminated.
DECON AREA - The DECON AREA is attached to the WARM ZONE in such a
manner to provide decontamination without further problems.
EMS AREA - The EMS AREA is near the DECON AREA to provide medical
assistance, but should never be close enough to be in danger from
contaminants.
HOT ZONE - The HOT ZONE is the area immediately surrounding the actual
incident. This area may be any size or shape, depending on the
incident. This area is defined as the area in which the HAZMAT Team
mitigation personnel operate. Only personnel essential to the
operation and properly protected way enter this area!! There shall be
only authorized Technicians in this area of extreme danger.
APPENDIX C
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM GUIDELINES
HAZMAT INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
A. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Hazardous Materials Response Team operates as the HAZARDS SECTOR
directly under the INCIDENT COMMANDER, with the HAZMAT OFFICER serving
as the Sector Officer.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER will activate COMMAND and HAZARDS sector from
the COMMAND POST located in the COLD ZONE.
The COMMAND STAFF reports directly to the INCIDENT COMMANDER as does
the HAZMAT OFFICER.
The HAZARDS STAFF is managed by the HAZMAT OFFICER. The HAZARDS STAFF
reports to the HAZMAT OFFICER. The exception to this chain of command
may be the SAFETY OFFICER, and this exception is detailed in the
SAFETY OFFICER job description.
Each staff officer ray require additional help during a major incident
in the form of assistants. The ASSISTANTS are requested through the
section manager and approved or appointed by that manager.
The Incident Commander Structure, with its three-zone configuration
and key positions, is outlined in Table C-1. A typical layout of
response units is shown in Figure C-1.
B. KEY PERSONNEL
1. INCIDENT COMMANDER
The INCIDENT COMMANDER is in charge of the overall scene,
including all aspects of the situation.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER is responsible for incident activities
including the development and implementation of strategic
decisions.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER approves the ordering of additional
resources and their release.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER will:
a. obtain incident briefing from major Incident Commander, if
applicable;
b. assess incident situation;
c. conduct initial briefing with available HAZMAT Technicians;
d. activate and assign elements of COMMAND and HAZARDS staffs;
e. conduct planning meetings with staffs as needed;
f. approve and authorize implementation of tactical plans;
Table C-1 INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE
COLD ZONE
Incident Commander
Command Staff
Command Aid
Medical Officer
Media Officer
Resource Officer
Liaison officer
WARM ZONE
Hazards Sector Officer & HAZMAT Officer
Hazards Staff
Safety Officer
Equipment Officer
Reference Officer
Monitoring Officer
DECONTAMINATION AREA
Decontamination Officer
Decontamination Staff
HOT ZONE
Mitigation Officer
Team A
Team B
Team C
Team D
FIGURE C-1. OPERATION AREA DIAGRAM - SEE HARD COPY
g. approve evacuation of areas;
h. coordinate COMMAND staff activities;
i. interface COMMAND and OPERATIONS activities as required;
j. manage incident activities;
k. approve requests for additional resources;
1. approve release of resources.
The INCIDENT COMMANDER may require additional assistance around the
COLD ZONE in the form of SECTOR OFFICERS. These SECTOR OFFICERS are
identified as indicated in the OPERATION AREA diagram.
2. MEDICAL OFFICER
The MEDICAL OFFICER is responsible for the development of
the medical plan, obtaining medical aid and transportation
for incident personnel and civilian casualties at the
incident. This person is appointed by and reports to the
Incident Commander.
The MEDICAL OFFICER will:
a. receive briefing from HAZMAT OFFICER:
b. determine level of medical services required;
c. activate medical plan as required;
d. interface A-C-L Mass Casualty Plan with incident
operations;
e. provide designated ambulance/mobile intensive care unit
(MICU) for exclusive use of HAZMAT Team at all times;
f. provide ALS/MICU personnel with required reference
material needed to pre-plan potential medical problems;
g. notify receiving hospital(s) of potential problems;
h. conduct pre-entry and post-entry medical exams (vital
signs, etc.) per Entry Permit Form;
i. assist with rehabilitation activities.
3. HAZMAT OFFICER and HAZARDS SECTOR OFFICER
The HAZMAT OFFICER is responsible for the management of the
OPERATIONS STAFF and all HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM
tactical operation directly applicable to the operation.
The HAZMAT OFFICER activates and supervises the OPERATIONS
STAFF and directs their activities.
The HAZMAT OFFICER will:
a. obtain briefing from INCIDENT COMMANDER:
b. provide briefing to INCIDENT COMMANDER if applicable;
c. assign OPERATIONS STAFF positions;
d. manage planning and developing of operational strategy;
e. update INCIDENT COMMANDER on operational strategy and
conditions of incident;
f. supervise operations;
g. approve requests for additional resources to be
forwarded to RESOURCE OFFICER at the command post;
h. update COMMAND STAFF on availability of resources and
release of unneeded resources;
i. report tactical operations and events to INCIDENT
COMMANDER.
4. SAFETY OFFICER
The SAFETY OFFICER is responsible for monitoring and assessing
hazardous or unsafe situations and developing measures to assure
personnel safety.
The SAFETY OFFICER will usually correct unsafe acts or
conditions through the HAZMAT OFFICER, but may exercise direct
emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts when
immediate action is required. The SAFETY OFFICER may also
report directly to the INCIDENT COMMANDER if required to assure
correction of these activities.
The SAFETY OFFICER will:
a. obtain briefing from HAZMAT OFFICER;
b. identify hazardous situations associated with the incident;
c. assign two SAFETY ASSISTANTS to every Technician donning a
suit;
d. maintain awareness of active and developing situations;
e. attempt to anticipate potential hazardous situations and/or
unsafe conditions that may develop;
f. provide objective opinion of operations and plans, with an
accent on personnel safety;
g. review operational plans;
h. verify availability of medical services for Technicians;
i. verify decontamination availability for Technicians prior
to entry;
j. double-check entry and exit records of Technicians;
k. double-check exposure records of Technicians;
1. advise HAZMAT OFFICER of incident safety aspects.
5. MONITORING OFFICER
The MONITORING OFFICER is responsible for all aspects of site
monitoring in the WARM and HOT ZONES.
The MONITORING OFFICER will:
a. determine monitoring requirements of the incident;
b. assign monitoring personnel;
c. collect monitoring data for toxic and volatile atmospheres;
d. distribute monitoring data to involved personnel;
e. determine if monitoring data should be transmitted over the
operations radio network at predetermined intervals;
f. maintain constant monitoring activities.
6. EQUIPMENT OFFICER is responsible for the distribution of
specialized equipment to the OPERATIONS personnel from the HAZMAT
van or other sources.
The EQUIPMENT OFFICER will:
a. obtain briefing from HAZMAT OFFICER;
b. receive requests for equipment and fill these requests;
c. distribute HAZMAT TEAM communications equipment to
OPERATIONS STAFF;
d. log assigned frequencies;
e. maintain log of communications between OPERATIONS STAFF;
f. maintain constant communications with mitigation personnel
and OPERATIONS STAFF:
g. maintain record of equipment usage;
h. report damaged or missing equipment;
i. report contaminated equipment to HAZARDS SECTOR OFFICER;
j. supervise restoration of equipment after incident.
7. DECONTAMINATION OFFICER
The DECONTAMINATION OFFICER is responsible for the removal of
contaminants from fire and/or rescue personnel, including
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM Technicians, support personnel,
police personnel, etc.
Civilians in need of decontamination may also be considered the
responsibility of the DECONTAMINATION OFFICER.
The establishment of the DECONTAMINATION AREA (DECON AREA) is one
of the most critical steps in planning the resolve of a hazardous
materials incident and therefore must be established and ready
for decontamination prior to any mitigation.
The DECONTAMINATION OFFICER will:
a. obtain briefing from HAZMAT OFFICER;
b. immediately research and determine what decontamination
materials will be needed, and request those materials that
are not on hand;
c. obtain decontamination kit and establish DECON AREA using
the "Nine Step Decon" procedure;
d. locate the DECON AREA using the incident scene map as a
general guide. This area should provide easy access to team
members coming out of the HOT ZONE;
e. set up as many "Nine Step Decon" stations as may be required;
f. notify the HAZMAT SECTOR OFFICER as soon as the DECON AREA is
established and ready to operate. Mitigation personnel must
not be permitted into a HOT ZONE before DECON is ready;
g. pay close attention to water run-off and provide for control
and/or retention of run-off as necessary;
h. in case of a medical emergency when a team member is
contaminated or exposed, a quick (yet thorough) gross
decontamination shall be completed prior to handing the
effected member over to the medical team. The member shall
be wrapped in clean sheets, or time permitting, dressed in
disposable scrubs before transporting the member to the
hospital as fast as possible; the DECONTAMINATION OFFICER
should be sure other support activities have been provided
(i.e., water supply, medical triage team, etc.).
8. MITIGATION OFFICER
The MITIGATION OFFICER is responsible for coordinating the
actions between the MITIGATION TEAMS and the rest of the
OPERATIONS STAFF.
The MITIGATION OFFICER supervises and directs the activities of
the mitigation personnel. All orders issued to the MITIGATION
TEAMS are given by the MITIGATION OFFICER.
The MITIGATION OFFICER provides the HAZMAT OFFICER with
information and advice to formulate the tactical plan of the
primary mission.
The MITIGATION OFFICER may be a working member of the MITIGATION
TEAM, or act as a manager if the situation requires.
The MITIGATION OFFICER will:
a. obtain briefing from the HAZMAT OFFICER;
b. assign mitigation personnel into teams;
c. provide briefing to MITIGATION TEAM personnel;
d. reconnoiter HOT ZONES through direct and/or indirect means
of reconnaissance to furnish intelligence reports regarding
the situation at hand. These reports are to be updated at
regular intervals throughout the incident;
e. supervise tactical actions implemented by mitigation
personnel;
f. verify through the DECONTAMINATION OFFICER that the
DECONTAMINATION AREA has been fully established prior to
permitting any MITIGATION TEAMS into the HOT ZONE;
g. verify through the SAFETY OFFICER and MEDICAL OFFICER that
the designated Advanced Life Support Mobile Intensive Care
Unit and qualified personnel are stationed prior to
permitting any MITIGATION TEAMS into the HOT ZONE;
h. notify the HAZMAT OFFICER prior to permitting MITIGATION
TEAMS into the HOT ZONE.
Other Key Positions
Other key positions among the COMMAND STAFF OR HAZARDS STAFF may
include the following as needed.
o REFERENCE OFFICER, who is responsible for providing reference
information to the INCIDENT COMMANDER, HAZMAT OFFICER, and
other key response personnel as necessary. This person will
relay information from available reference materials, CAMEO
II, CHEMTREC, and other sources to facilitate use of
appropriate decontamination, restoration, and protective
measures.
o MEDIA OFFICER, who is responsible for marshalling,
acquisition, and managing additional equipment, personnel,
and other resources needed for effective incident response
and recovery. This person will set up and maintain
appropriate staging areas in the COLD ZONE.
LIAISON OFFICER, who is responsible for coordinating activities
with outside agencies and organizations during the incident.
APPENDIX D
MISCELLANEOUS BACKGROUND INFORMATION REGARDING
THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY COMMITTEE
1989-1990
PUEBLO DE ACOMA
THE SKY CITY
P.O. BOX 309
ACOMA, NEW MEXICO 87034
RESOLUTION NO. TC-OCT-04-88-1
At a duly called meeting of the Tribal Council of the
Pueblo of Acoma, held on the 4th day of October, 1988, the
following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS:
Sec. No. 1 The Pueblo of Acoma is an Indian Tribal Organization
and has full power and authority to act for the
Tribe; and,
Sec. No. 2 The Acoma Tribal Council exercises its rights and
powers to negotiate with the Federal Government; and,
Sec. No. 3 The reservation of the Pueblo of Acoma contains a
major interstate highway and mainline railroad
corridor which carry heavy volumes of all
classifications of freight and passenger traffic,
including growing quantities of hazardous materials;
and,
Sec. No. 4 These highway and railroad corridor are adjacent to
the Rio San Jose which serves as the principal water
supply to the Pueblo of Acoma and which could be
seriously threatened in the event of a hazardous
materials transportation accident; and,
Sec. No. 5 The Pueblo of Acoma expresses its concern regarding
the Increasing risks to public safety and the
environment related to transportation of hazardous
materials through its reservation; and,
Sec. No. 6 The Pueblo of Acoma desires to enhance the safety of
the public and protection of the environment through
establishment of adequate tribal emergency response
and safety activities; and,
Sec. No. 7 The Pueblo of Acoma is a member in good standing of
the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), which
has the technical expertise necessary to assist the
Pueblo in undertaking the necessary planning and
program development activities in this field.
RESOLUTION NO. TC-OCT-04-88-1
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
Sec. No. 1 That the Pueblo of Acoma requests that CERT provide
technical assistance to the Pueblo in planning and
development of a tribal program to enhance public
safety and emergency response associated with
transportation of radioactive and other hazardous
materials.
Daabupu, Pueblo of Acoma
Tinyenti
Ayuranti
My'yuu Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
Pinsibaarii
ATTEST
Kudyaat'ita, Pueblo of Acoma
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
1, the undersigned as Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma,
"Sky City," hereby certify that the Acoma Tribal Council at a
duly called meeting of the Tribal Council and the people of
Acoma, convened and held on the 4th day of October
1988, at Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, approved this Resolution,
a quorum being present, and that 11 voted and 0
opposed.
Daabupu, Pueblo of Acoma
ATTEST
Kudyaat'ita, Pueblo of Acoma
PUEBLO DE ACOMA
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY PROJECT
AUTHORITY-RESOLUTION NO. TC-OCT-04-88-1,
DATED OCTOBER 4, 1988
GOAL-ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONCERNING THE
HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
OBJECTIVES-
*DEVELOP TRIBAL EMERGENCY ACTION PROGRAM INCLUDING PREPAREDNESS
AND RESPONSE PLANS, TRAINING, AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
*DEVELOP, AS NECESSARY, RECOMMENDED TRIBAL ORDINANCES AND OTHER
DIRECTIVES TO IMPLEMENT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT) SAFETY
PROGRAM
*IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL " EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY
RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT "
DISASTERS INVOLVING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
I. NATURAL DISASTERS
*FLOODS
*MAJOR FIRES (COMMUNITIES, RANGELANDS, FORESTS, ETC.)
*DROUGHT
*EXTENDED SNOW OR ICE STORMS
*EARTHQUAKES
*DISEASE EPIDEMICS
II. TECHNOLOGICAL HAZARDS
*NUCLEAR ATTACK
*SABOTAGE OF CRITICAL PUBLIC OR INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
*TERRORISM OF CRITICAL INSTITUTIONS AND OFFICIALS
*GOVERNMENTAL OVERTHROW AND CIVIL DISORDERS
*THEFTS OF STRATEGIC MATERIALS AND INFORMATION
*FACILITY ACCIDENTS (FIRES, EXPLOSIONS, CAVE-INS, ETC.)
*HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENTAL RELEASES
-AT FIXED FACILITIES (INDUSTRIAL, MUNICIPAL, MEDICAL, ETC.)
-DURING TRANSPORTATION
-PIPELINES
-HIGHWAYS
-RAILROADS
-AIRCRAFT
-MARINE VESSELS
-AT DISPOSAL SITES
RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
*BASIC RISK EQUATION
RISK=(CONSEQUENCES OF ADVERSE EVENT) X(PROBABILITY OF
OCCURRENCE)
*REDUCING PROBABILITY OF ACCIDENT OCCURRENCE PHYSICAL
PROTECTIVE SAFEGUARDS
--PROPER CONTAINERS AND SHIELDING
--ISOLATION SYSTEMS
--HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION DEVICES
SAFETY PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS
--NATIONAL AND OTHER STANDARDS
--FEDERAL REGULATIONS
-STATE, TRIBAL, LOCAL REGULATIONS
*REDUCING CONSEQUENCES OF ACCIDENTS
EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
--EARLY DETECTION OF RELEASES/ACCIDENTS
--TIMELY ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION
--RAPID AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
--FORMAL PLANS
--TRAINING
--TESTS AND EXERCISE
--EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO BE COVERED
IN TRIBAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING
I. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES USED ON RESERVATION
GASOLINE, FUEL OIL, NATURAL GAS, OTHER FLAMMABLES
SOLVENTS
PESTICIDES
CHLORINE, OTHER ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS
OTHER TOXIC CHEMICALS, ACIDS, ALKALI, ETC.
EXPLOSIVES
II. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTED THROUGH RESERVATION
ALL OF THE ABOVE, PLUS OTHERS IN THESE CATEGORIES:
FLAMMABLE
CORROSIVE
EXPLOSIVE
POISONOUS AND ETIOLOGICAL
GASES
RADIOACTIVE
OTHER
DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
UNDER THE "EMERGENCY PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT" (TITLE III OF SARA)
1. EMERGENCY PLANNING
*INDIAN TRIBES, STATES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS APPOINT
"EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSIONS"
*DEVELOP EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS
2. EMERGENCY RELEASE & ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION
*COVERED FACILITIES NOTIFY THEIR COMMISSIONS OF
"REPORTABLE QUANTITY RELEASES"
*SUPPLY FOLLOW-UP REPORTS ON SUCH RELEASES
3. HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS INVENTORY REPORTING
*CERTAIN FACILITIES MUST SUBMIT INVENTORIES
OF HAZMAT TO THEIR COMMISSIONS
4. TOXIC EMISSIONS REPORTING
*FACILITIES WITH 10 OR MORE EMPLOYEES WITHIN
SIC CODES 20-39 MAY BE REQUIRED TO REPORT
ANNUAL EMISSIONS OF CERTAIN TOXIC CHEMICALS
TO THE AIR, LAND, AND WATER, SUBMITTED TO
THEIR COMMISSIONS AND EPA
5. COMMUNITY PUBLIC RIGHT-TO-KNOW
*EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSIONS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE
HAZMAT INFORMATION TO MEMBERS OF PUBLIC
UPON REQUEST
PURPOSES AND CONTENTS OF
TRIBAL EMERGENCY PLAN
1. DEFINE HAZARDS ON AND NEAR TRIBAL RESERVATION
2. ESTABLISH AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES
3. PROVIDE FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
4. ESTABLISH RESPONSE PROCEDURES
*INITIAL RESPONSE
*COMMUNITY AWARENESS
*HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
*EVACUATIONS, IF NECESSARY
*SUMMONING OUTSIDE EXPERT ASSISTANCE
*RECOVERY AND RESTORATION
*MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
5. ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING READINESS
*EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING
*TESTS AND EXERCISES
*EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
*UPDATING AND REFINING THE PLAN
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY PROJECT
PURPOSE - A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROJECT TO ASSIST PARTICIPATING INDIAN
TRIBES IN DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES TO MANAGE RISKS RELATED TO
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION
SCOPE OF WORK - PROVIDE TECHNICAL SERVICES TO PARTICIPATING TRIBES IN
DEVELOPING:
-EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLANS
-HAZMAT SAFETY AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS, AS APPROPRIATE
-TRIBAL STAFF CAPABILITIES AND OTHER RESOURCES
APPENDIX E
PARTICIPATION BY THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA
IN THE CIBOLA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND RELOCATION PLAN
1. Acoma Tribal Resolution No. TC-No. Feb.20-90-1
2. Annex E - Crisis Relocation - Reception and Care
3. Feeding Facilities List
4. Fallout Shelter Plan
5. Map - Cibola County Primary Traffic Control Points
RESOLUTION NO. TC-NO. FEB-20-90-1
AUTHORIZATION TO DECLARE A STATE
OF EMERGENCY FOR THE PUEBLO OF ACOMA
At a duly called meeting of the Acoma Tribal Council held on this 2nd
Day of February, 1990, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS:
SECTION NO. 1 Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico is a Federally
recognized Indian tribe under the provisions of PL
73-383, 46 Stat 98-4, with a Tribal Council that
has full power and authority to act for the tribe,
and
SECTION NO. 2 Acoma Tribal Council exercises the rights and
powers to negotiate with Federal Government, and
SECTION NO. 3 The policy of the United States in keeping with
treaties February 2, 1848, 9 Stat 929)
understanding and long established custom must
continue to provide necessary services and
facilities to Native American Indians, and
SECTION NO. 4 The Tribal Council will need the assistance of the
USDA, Cibola County, State, and the American Red
Cross, should an emergency occur, and
SECTION NO. 5 As a result of the heavy snow fall storm and severe
mud and icy conditions in Cibola County, especially
on the Acoma Land Grant and Reservation could
caused access problems for the residents, and
SECTION NO. 6 Pueblo of Acoma shall do its utmost to aid its
citizens and livestock with its limited resources,
and
SECTION NO. 7 The Cibola County Commissioner, by virtue vested by
the Constitution and Laws of the State of New
Mexico and Cibola County, is empowered to declare a
state of emergency exists and to request the
Governor of the State of New Mexico to provide
assistance to Cibola County, and
RESOLUTION NO. TC-FEB-20-90-1
NOWTHEREFORE BE RESOLVED:
SECTION NO. 1 The Acoma Tribal Council does hereby delegate the
Acoma Governor to declare a State of Emergency for
Pueblo of Acoma Land Grant and Reservation and to
cooperate with the Governor of the State of New
Mexico, Cibola County, Bureau of Indian Affairs and
Federal Government
SECTION NO. 2 The Acoma Governor or his designee to execute all
documents necessary to realize the emergency;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
SECTION NO. 3 The Acoma Tribal Council may effect a request for
state of emergency by authorizing this resolution
to remain in effect immediately.
_________________________________
Daabup, Pueblo of Acoma
_________________________________
Tinyenti
_________________________________
Ayurahti
_________________________________
My'yuu Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
_________________________________
Pinsibaarii
ATTEST
_________________________________
Kudyaat'ita, Pueblo of Acoma
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
I, the undersigned as Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma,
"Sky City," hereby certify that the Acoma Tribal Council at a
duly called meeting of the Tribal Council and the people of
Acoma, convened and held on the 20th, day of February 1990,
at Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, approved this Resolution,
a quorum being present and that 8 voted for and 0 oppose.
_____________________________
Daabup, Pueblo of Acoma
ATTEST
_________________________________
Kudyaat'ta, Pueblo of Acoma
Host Area Operations
Crisis Relocation Plan (CRP)
Cibola County, New Mexico
Annex E - Reception and Care
Appendix 1
CONGREGATE CARE FACILITIES
PAGE NUMBER
MAP OF RECEPTION & CARE DISTRICTS (R&C) E-6
GRANTS DISTRICT (Lodging Assignments*) E-7 - E-14
(Includes Grants, Milan, & Laguna)
Districts.
* Lodging Assignments Include: Assignments to Lodging
Assignments to Feeding
Whether CC Facility is to be
upgraded
Fallout Shelter Assignment
for evacuees.
FIGURE - MAP - PROPOSED TRU WASTE TRUCK TRANSPORTATION ROUTES - SEE HARD
COPY
FIGURE - MAP - INDIAN TRIBES ALONG PROPOSED TRU WASTE TRUCK
TRANSPORTATION ROUTES - SEE HARD COPY
FIGURE - TYPICAL TRACTOR-TRAILER COMBINATION FOR TRU WASTE TRANSPORT -
SEE HARD COPY
FIGURE - MAP - CIBOLA COUNTY RECEPTION AND CARE DISTRICTS - SEE HARD
COPY
CHART - LAGUNA AREA - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - GRANTS DISTRICT - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - GRANTS DISTRICT - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - GRANTS DISTRICT - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - MILAN AREA - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - MILAN AREA - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - GRANTS DISTRICT - SEE HARD COPY
CHART - GRANTS DISTRICT - SEE HARD COPY
FEEDING FACILITIES LIST - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
FALLOUT SHELTER PLAN - SEE HARD COPY
CIBOLA COUNTY PRIMARY TRAFFIC CONTROL POINTS - SEE HARD COPY
APPENDIX F
EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT
FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS
Phase I - Primary Emergency Response Equipment:
Current Inventory and Requirements
Phase II - Equipment Needed for Development of a
Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team
PUEBLO OF ACOMA
PHASE 1: PRIMARY EMERGENCY RESPONSE EQUIPMENT;
CURRENT INVENTORY AND REQUIREMENTS
APRIL 1990
I. POLICE
A. Vehicles
Seven (7) units in current inventory(2 4x4 Chevy Blazers)
each is equipped with two-way radio on LES frequencies and
first-aid kits.
B. Communications
24-hour central radio dispatching system on LES frequencies.
C. Equipment Needed
1. Portable C0(2)type fire extinguishers(one per vehicle).
II. COMMUNITY HEALTH/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
A. Vehicles
Two (2) van-type ambulances; equipped with two-way
EMS/MED/LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES frequency radios,
comprehensive first-aid kits, and medical supplies. One
vehicle also equipped with Lukas extrication tool and
portable power supply.
B. Other Equipment
Two (2) additional stretchers, spine boards, portable cots,
and other medical supplies.
C. Equipment Needed
1. Portable C0(2)type fire extinguishers(two per vehicle).
2. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (2 sets
assigned to one CHR/EMS vehicle)
3. Protective clothing (2 units) providing at least OSHA
"Level C" protection, assigned to CHR/EMS Office or one
vehicle.
III. ACOMA-CANONCITO-LAGUNA HOSPITAL
Emergency medical services and treatment are available on a
limited basis at the A-C-L Hospital, operated by the U.S. Indian
Health Service, located near Acomita, New Mexico. This facility
is equipped to receive emergency patients and to provide very
limited emergency medical services to victims of HAZMAT accidents.
The hospital does not, however, contain a trauma center for
emergency surgery nor equipment for segregation and
decontamination of patients who have been heavily exposed to
hazardous chemicals.
This facility has one ambulance designed to transport nonemergency
patients to other medical facilities. The ambulance is not
presently equipped for HAZMAT emergency response.
Also housed at the A-C-L Hospital is the regional IHS sanitarian,
regional safety officer, and technical support staff which are
available for technical and logistical assistance during HAZMAT
emergencies.
PHASE II - DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONAL
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
APRIL 1990
I. INTRODUCTION
As of this date, the Pueblo of Acoma foresees the need for a
hazardous materials response team (HMRT) to serve the Acoma Indian
Reservation and perhaps the Pueblo of Laguna and other nearby
communities within Cibola County, New Mexico. From a
cost-effectiveness standpoint, a HMRT serving only the Pueblo of
Acoma is not feasible at the present time. However, a regional
HMRT serving several nearby communities and Indian reservations
should be developed as soon as possible in cooperation with the
Pueblo of Laguna, the Canoncito Navajo Tribe, Cibola County, and
the State of New Mexico. Cognizant federal agencies should be
encouraged to provide technical and financial assistance in the
development of a regional HMRT.
PLANNING CRITERIA
Development of a regional HMRT should be based on extensive
cooperative planning among participating governments and their
respective police, fire, emergency medical, safety, and other
cognizant agencies. Planning activities should utilize certain
key criteria and guidelines in order to establish the scope,
location, resource requirements, sponsorship, and financial
support arrangements for the HMRT. Some suggested planning
criteria are as follows:
0 An HMRT should be operated in conjunction with existing
fire-fighting, police, and/or emergency medical agencies, to the
extent possible.
0 The team should be located strategically to serve population
groups and critical facilities most vulnerable to HAZMAT
accidents.
0 The HMRT should be able to reach the majority of its constituents
within 20-30 minutes.
0 The HMRT vehicle may be housed on a rotating schedule among the
participating governmental jurisdictions to facilitate continuing
training and skills maintenance among various HAZMAT-related
emergency response personnel.
III. POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS
o Pueblo of Acoma
o Pueblo of Laguna
o Canoncito Navajo Tribe
o City of Grants, New Mexico
o Cibola County, New Mexico
o State of New Mexico
o U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
o U.S. Indian Health Service (A-C-L Hospital)
IV. POTENTIAL SITES FOR HMRT BASE OF OPERATION
o A-C-L Hospital, Acomita, New Mexico
o City of Grants, New Mexico (hospital or fire department)
o Pueblo of Laguna Fire Department
o HMRT vehicle may also be rotated among these locations
V. MINIMUM EQUIPMENT FOR HMRT
A. Vehicle
Van-type truck with heavy-duty interior, built-in cabinets,
equipment racks, and storage areas
B. Equipment for HMRT Vehicle
1. Personal Protective Equipment
o Pressurized self-contained breathing apparatus(SCBA)
o Full protective clothing (proximity and/or entry suits)
o Specialized clothing (toxic spill and splash protection)
2. Fire-Fighting Equipment (optional, if other fire suppression
equipment is readily available)
o Foam and other agents
o Dry chemical extinguishers
o C0(2) extinguishers
o Water hoses, nozzles
3. Rescue Equipment
o Heavy-duty extractor with portable power supply
o Ladders, ropes, chains
o Miscellaneous metal-cutting and bending tools
o Acetylene cutting torch and tanks
4. Communications Equipment (in addition to basic vehicle radio)
o Citizen Band (CB) radio
o Radiotelephone
o Megaphones (public address, amplified)
5. Environmental Monitoring Equipment
o Airborne gases and chemical detectors
o Optical (binoculars, floodlights, lamps, etc.)
o Water pollution detector
o Wind sock and/or anemometer with direction vane
o pH meter or strip
o Radiation survey instruments
6. Containment Equipment
o Sorbents (natural and synthetic) to soak up spills
o Chemical agents to neutralize acids and base chemicals (lime,
sodium bicarbonate, trisodium phosphate, etc.)
o Patches, plugs, booms, foam, duct tape, etc.
7. Decontamination Equipment
o Recovery drums (carry in separate vehicle if necessary)
o Piping, hoses, nozzles
o Plastic sheets (25(INCHES) x 100(INCHES)) (in rolls)
8. First-aid Equipment
o First-aid kits and extra dressings for chemical burns
o Full body bags to prevent spread of contamination during
transport of injured persons
o Water supply (portable in containers) to rinse off hazardous
chemicals from contaminated persons
9. Other Equipment
o Barricade tape (in rolls)
o Traffic barrier cones
o Hand lights, flashlights, lamps
o Portable electric generator
C. Other Equipment (not housed in HMRT vehicle)
o Construction and earth-moving equipment (backhoes, cranes,
bulldozers, dump trucks, etc.) for building dikes, collection
ponds, and trenches to contain and/ or divert hazardous
materials. Also used to clear wreckage.
APPENDIX G
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT REPORT FORM
PUEBLO OF ACOMA - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT REPORT NO. - SEE HARD
COPY
APPENDIX H
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND COURSES
FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING FOR
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
I. Training Requirements
Section VIII.A. of the Pueblo of Acoma's Emergency Response Plan
for Hazardous Materials Releases, dated March 1990, outlines
requirements for training in emergency response procedures for
"first responders," "incident commanders," and other safety
personnel. Training consists of:
o initial classroom and workshop sessions based on formal
curricula and nationally-accepted standards and reference
materials as presented by certified instructors;
o periodic tests and exercises (classroom, table-top, and field
exercises) to assess the adequacy of training of response
personnel and to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency
response plans and procedures; and
o regular in-service re-training to maintain skills;
o "train-the-trainer" programs to facilitate continuing skills
development and maintenance by police, community health,
emergency medical, safety, and other personnel.
The Acoma Hazardous Materials Safety Committee is responsible for
recommending appropriate types and levels of emergency response
training and for assisting cognizant tribal agencies in carrying
out such training. The Committee will also coordinate training
and exercises with neighboring governments to the extent possible.
Levels of training specified in the Plan include:
o first responders;
o incident command and HAZMAT response team personnel;
o emergency operations center personnel;
o others, including policy, administrative, and technical staff
personnel, to gain an awareness of HAZMAT risks, emergency
preparedness requirements, and emergency response and
management.
Recognizing the problem of employee turnover among safety
personnel, the Committee seeks to encourage regularly-scheduled
training and re-training programs for key tribal agencies.
Accordingly, the Committee recommends that training be provided
for in annual departmental budgets.
II. Training Courses Available
Several federal and state agencies and industrial associations
conduct training courses for emergency personnel.
The following are training courses related to HAZMAT emergency
preparedness as available from federal agencies.
A. U.S. Department of Energy
1. Radioactive Materials Transportation Emergency Response
Orientation
This one-day seminar provides an overview of emergency
response activities by police, fire, and emergency
medical personnel in dealing with accidents involving
the transportation of radioactive materials. Basic
principles of radiation, instrument use, and
contamination control techniques are discussed.
Designed for first responders, the seminar provides an
understanding of shipping requirements for hazardous
and radioactive materials, hazards and risks involved,
and procedures for coping with accidents. Also,
information is provided concerning expert technical
assistance available to first responders.
These programs are conducted periodically by DOE's
contractor, Science Applications International
Corporation at various locations. For more
information, contact Teresa Yearwood, Science
Applications International Corporation, P.O. Box 2501,
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, phone 615-482-9031, ext. 403
2. Radiological Assistance Team Training
An in-depth training program (2 weeks) is sponsored
periodically by DOE at its Oak Ridge, Tennessee
facility, designed to train state, tribal, and local
radiological assistance team personnel in specialized
techniques for radiological assessment,
decontamination, and accident recovery.
3. Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Training Courses
Four (4) emergency response training courses are
provided by DOE through its contractor for the WIPP,
Westinghouse Electric Corporation. These courses are
designed specifically for state, tribal, and local
safety personnel in dealing with incidents involving
transportation of transuranic (TRU) radio-active
wastes enroute to the WIPP. These courses are as
follows:
o First Responder Course
The First Responder Course is eight hours long and
it is intended for the first arriving emergency
units not particularly working under a formal
incident command system initially and without
health physics professionals to guide them. Basic
knowledge of WIPP, what it is shipping,
radiological hazards, and the potentials for
environmental, public, responder, and victim risks
are covered in detail. The course includes an
explanation of radiation, how the incident command
system would be established in an area, and how
each group (fire, medical law enforcement, rescue)
can perform their specific tasks safely.
o Command and Control
The Command and Control Course is twenty hours long
(two and one-half days) and is intended for those
individuals who will be either totally or partially
in charge at the scene of a WIPP related accident.
Depending upon the particular state plan, the
Tribal Police, State Police, or local jurisdiction
may be in charge of the incident. To effectively
command and provide adequate utilization of
personnel and resources at the scene, the
individual in charge must have a thorough
understanding of what transuranic waste is, what
WIPP is physically shipping, and what the
environmental and human risks are associated with
this material. Every effort is made to insure that
this particular training program is in concert with
the published state or tribal emergency response
program. Successful completion of this particular
course would provide the incident or scene
commander with the necessary knowledge to safely
respond, establish command, and protect the public
and the environment.
o Incident Mitigation
The Mitigation Course is designed for state,
tribal, and local health, safety, environmental,
and radiological professionals who will be
evaluating and assessing the potential
environmental and human impacts of a TRU WIPP
accident. Within the structure of this program,
the students are made aware of what the fire
fighters, law enforcement officers, and medical
personnel have initially done at the scene within
the scope of the First Responder and Command
Control Programs. Additionally, the state and
local radiological environmental, and health
professionals are provided information on what the
DOE (inclusive of contractors) will do when
gathering samples, analysis of these samples, and
what assistance is going to be provided under the
Radiological Assistant Program as well as DOE
executing its responsibilities under Title 49, Code
of Federal Regulations as the shipper of this
material.
o Train-the-Trainer Course
The Train-the-Trainer Course, lasting two days, is
presented to a small class of approximately ten
students. During the first day, students observe
the actual First Responder Course. The course is
intended to provide students with the necessary
information about WIPP, TRU waste, and the impacts
to the environment, victims, the public, and
themselves is made that this course will be taught
primarily in states where the students have never
had an opportunity to attend the First Responder or
Command and Control Courses. On the second day,
the WIPP instructor will explain training materials
and the lesson plan structure. In addition, the
answers to the most commonly asked questions will
be provided. Lastly, the student will have an
opportunity to make a short presentation on WIPP
training topics.
B. U. S. Department of Transportation
DOT provides training for state, tribal, and local safety
personnel in emergency preparedness and regulatory
(inspection and enforcement) activities related to
hazardous materials transportation. Most of the DOT
training courses are provided by the Department's
Transportation Safety Institute located in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. Concerning emergency response, the following
training courses are offered periodically.
1. Awareness for Initial Response to Hazardous Materials
Incidents
This 8-hour course is designed to introduce police,
fire, medical, and other personnel to the growing
problem of hazardous materials transportation
emergencies. Topics include: (a) characteristics
and risks of hazardous materials; (b) recognition and
identification of hazardous materials; (c) roles of
first responders at an accident scene; (d) summoning
of available expert assistance; and (e) initial
management of an accident scene.
Class size is usually limited to 50 persons on a
first-come, first-served basis. A $35.00 tuition fee
covers training and reference materials.
2. COHMED Cooperative Training
DOT is a sponsor of the Cooperative Hazardous
Materials Enforcement Development (COHMED) program, an
alliance of federal, state and tribal safety personnel
to promote hazardous materials transportation safety.
COHMED periodically conducts seminars in HAZMAT
emergency response at various locations.
C. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA sponsors various training for state, tribal, and local
personnel in emergency response, environmental mitigation,
and Superfund and RCRA activities related to hazardous
materials accidents and hazardous waste site management.
Among the EPA training courses are the following that cover
emergency response.
1. Hazardous Materials Response for First Responders
(165.15)
This 5-day course provides those personnel
first-on-the-scene, primarily fire fighters, with basic
information needed to recognize, evaluate, and control
an incident involving the release or potential release
of hazardous materials. It is intended for members of a
hazardous materials response team, teams that are being
formed, or for others who may be called upon to respond
to a chemical emergency. The focus of the course is on
recognizing and evaluating a hazardous materials
incident, organizing the response team, protecting
response personnel, identifying and using response
resources, implementing basic control measures,
decision-making and protecting the public. Fire
fighting techniques are not part of the course.
Topics to be discussed are: chemical and physical
properties of hazardous materials; toxicology;
recognition and identification of hazardous materials;
direct-reading instruments; standard operating guides,
personnel protection and safety and sources of
information.
Persons who have attended the course Hazardous Materials
Incident Response Operation (165.5) or Personnel
Protection and Safety (165.2) should consult with the
Registrar before applying for this course.
Attendees at this course will be in compliance with the
24-hour annual training requirements for emergency
response personnel required by the US Occupational and
Health and Safety Administration.
2. Personnel Protection and Safety (165.2)
This 5-day course is for relatively inexperienced
personnel who respond to accidents involving hazardous
substances or investigate uncontrolled hazardous waste
sites. It provides basic information on the protection
and safety of personnel engaged in field operations
dealing with hazardous substances.
Course topics include: the fundamentals of hazard
recognition; toxicology; use and limitations of
direct-reading air monitoring instruments; the
selection, use and limitation of equipment, such as
air-purifying respirators, self-contained breathing
apparatus, and protective clothing; and safety guides
and procedures for conducting response operations.
Segments of the course require the wearing of
respiratory protection equipment which precludes the
wearing of glasses. Students who are severely
restricted without their glasses should be aware that
their participation may be limited unless they have
their own spectacle kit or spectacle equipped respirator
facepiece. Some exercises require wearing chemical
protective clothing which may be stressful to certain
individuals. Active participation is not required in
these exercises, but attendance is required.
Portions of this course and 165.5 are redundant.
Persons considering applying to both courses should
consult the Registrar.
Personnel Protection and Safety meets the 40 hour
classroom safety training requirement for hazardous
waste workers of the US Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
3. Hazardous Materials Incident Response Operations (165.5)
This 5-day course provides attendees with practical
knowledge concerning incident response operations. The
course emphasizes response team functions, methods,
procedures and safety in responding to hazardous
substance spills or investigations at abandoned
hazardous waste sites.
Course topics include: respiratory protection,
protective clothing, field monitoring instruments,
hazard analysis, toxicology, response organization and
standard operating safety guides.
Approximately 1/3 of the course is classroom
instruction. The remaining time is hands-on use of air
monitoring instruments, personnel protective equipment
and other practical applications of classroom topics.
Attendees, working in teams, will respond to two
fully-staged simulations - a transportation accident and
an abandoned chemical storage site.
Portions of this course and 165.2 are redundant. Persons
considering applying to both courses should consult the
Registrar.
4. Air Surveillance for Hazardous Materials (165.4)
This 5-day course instructs participants in methods and
procedures for sampling and monitoring airborne
hazardous materials. It is designed for personnel
involved in HAZMAT emergency response or for those who
investigate uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. It
includes instruction in the use of air monitoring
equipment, radiation detection instruments, instrument
calibration, and various protective methods.
5. Response Safety Decision-Making (165.8)
This 4-day course is for persons developing implementing
or managing safety programs for chemical emergencies or
investigations and controlling activities at abandoned
hazardous waste sites. The course complements other US
EPA basic safety courses and provides participants with
more detailed guidance for making more effective safety
decisions. It is intended as a forum for participants
and the staff to exchange information and ideas on
response- response-related safety topics.
Individuals applying for the course are expected to be
knowledgeable in basic personnel protection, safety and
response operations. As a minimum applicants must have
attended Personnel Protection and Safety (165.2) or
Hazardous Materials Incident Response Operations
(165.5), similar courses, or have experience in
response safety.
Attendees at this course will be in compliance with the
8 hour supervisor training requirement of the US
Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
6. Sampling for Hazardous Materials (165.9)
This 3-day course provides personnel with minimum or no
sampling experience, practical information for
effectively sampling hazardous materials. The course
focuses on the types of equipment suitable for hazardous
materials sampling and procedures for safely collecting
samples. Air sampling is specifically addressed in two
other courses (165.4 and 165.16) and is not discussed in
this course.
Topics to be discussed include: sampling plan and
development; equipment and procedures for sampling
containerized materials, surface water/lagoons,
sediments/sludges, soil and groundwater; shipping
samples; soil gas sampling; geophysical techniques and
quality assurance considerations.
7. Advanced Air Sampling for Hazardous Materials(165.16)
This is an advanced 5-day course in air sampling. It is
designed for personnel who will be doing more
sophisticated air sampling at uncontrolled or abandoned
hazardous waste sites, or during and after certain kinds
of chemical emergencies. Participants will be provided
with in-depth information about practices, procedures
and instruments currently available to rapidly collect
and analyze air samples in the field. Hands-on use of
air sampling equipment and field instruments will be
emphasized.
Attendance at the Air Surveillance for Hazardous
Materials (165.4) course or experience in air sampling
is a prerequisite for attending this course.
D. Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA provides several HAZMAT-related training courses at its
Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire
Academy as follows:
1. Emergency Management Institute
o Public Officials Conference - Hazardous Materials
(T200)
o Workshops in Emergency Management - Hazardous
Materials (T250)
o Analysis of Hazardous Materials Emergencies for
Emergency Program Managers (T300)
o Formulating Public Policy in Emergency Management -
Hazardous Materials (T280)
o Fundamentals Course for Radiological Monitors (T320)
o Fundamentals Course for Radiological Response Team
(T326)
2. National Fire Academy
o Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials
(F233)
o Hazardous Materials Incident Analysis (F410)
o Hazardous Materials: The Pesticide Challenge (F450)
o Chemistry of Hazardous Materials (F234) (2-week
course)
o Hazardous Materials Tactical Considerations (F235)
(2-week course)
E. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
NIEHS, a branch of the US Public Health Service, offers
training under its Hazardous Waste Worker Health and Safety
Training Program for local, tribal, state and federal
agency personnel. Courses are provided through grantees of
the NIEHS and are designed to meet training requirements
specified by the US Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR 1910. Course topics
generally include the following:
1. Health and Safety for Supervisors - 8 hours
2. Health and Safety Refresher Course - 8 hours
3. Health and Safety for Workers - 40 hours
4. Health and Safety for Emergency Responders - 24 hours
5. Health and Safety at TSD Facilities - 24 hours
6. Health and Safety for Hazardous Materials Transporters
F. Federal Interagency Offerings
Several federal agencies collaborated in sponsoring the
following emergency preparedness training courses.
1. Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning (T311)
This 4 1/2 day course is jointly sponsored by DOT, EPA,
and FEMA and provides instruction in the analysis of
hazardous materials risks and in development of
emergency preparedness plans for state, tribal, and
local governments. Topics include: pertinent statutes;
governmental responsibilities; cooperative agreements;
planning processes; preventative measures; and state,
tribal, and local ordinances to be used in effective
contingency planning.
2. Exercise Design Course (Tl2O)
This course, sponsored jointly by EPA and FEMA, covers
the principles and procedures involved in planning,
executing, and evaluating various emergency
preparedness exercises, including table-top and mock
field tests.
3. National HAZMAT Training Conference
This conference is conducted periodically by FEMA, EPA,
DOT, DOL, and HHS/ATSDR for state and tribal training
coordinators in planning and administration of HAZMAT
training programs.
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